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Variability of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration at Barrow, Alaska during winter

Conference · · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5960905

Winter variability over periods of 1 to 5 days in surface CO/sub 2/ concentration at Barrow, Alaska was studied by examining the relation between CO/sub 2/ concentration and air mass. The largest positive anomalies of CO/sub 2/ concentration occurred with relatively deep surface-based Arctic air masses. The long residence time in the Arctic of these air masses is qualitatively compatible with both a natural CO/sub 2/ source, such as the Arctic Ocean, and transport of anthropogenic CO/sub 2/ from mid-latitudes in a manner similar to that proposed for the Arctic haze. Trajectories suggest that the anthropogenic CO/sub 2/ source region of eastern Asia does not contribute significantly to the positive anomalies. The largest negative CO/sub 2/ anomalies were associated with the influx of air from the North Pacific or North Atlantic regions above a shallow surface-based Arctic layer. The moisture sounding data suggest mixing or diffusion of this air aloft to the surface through the inversion layer. 10 references, 8 figures, 1 table.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Colorado, Boulder
OSTI ID:
5960905
Report Number(s):
CONF-8109270-
Journal Information:
J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 88:C11; ISSN JGREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English