Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Levels
In the heart of Wellington, New Zealand, a remarkable project named Carbon Watch NZ has been tracking the country's greenhouse gas emissions for an astounding 50 years. This collaborative initiative, a testament to scientific perseverance, has provided invaluable data about our changing atmosphere.
At the forefront of this project is Kim Currie of NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research), who, along with her team, has been measuring atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. Data from Baring Head, a strategic location on New Zealand's coastline, contributes significantly to this understanding of global changes in the atmosphere.
The longest continuous record of radiocarbon CO2 in the air comes from Baring Head, dating back to 1954. This record, combined with 'normal' CO2 measurements since 1970, makes Baring Head home to the longest running record of CO2 levels in the southern hemisphere.
The rise in CO2 levels, as documented at Baring Head, can be traced back to the 1950s and 60s. This increase was due to nuclear bomb testing, which released large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. However, since then, the levels have dropped and levelled out, a result of the CO being absorbed by the ocean and terrestrial ecosystems.
Fossil fuels, devoid of carbon (C) due to decay over millennia, are a significant contributor to the increase in CO2 levels. The burning of these fuels releases CO2, which has diluted the atmosphere, but not without consequences.
The graph of atmospheric CO2 increase at Mauna Loa, Hawaii, known as the Keeling curve, has become a symbol of our changing climate. Interestingly, early models suggested that the ocean would absorb so much CO2 that it would start releasing it back into the atmosphere. However, by the early 2000s, it was evident that the amounts of CO moving from ocean to atmosphere and vice versa were balanced, indicating a delicate equilibrium in our planet's carbon cycle.
NIWA's air sampling process is meticulous. Phil Kendon explains that air samples are collected at Baring Head and transported back to the lab for analysis. The measurements of CO2 in the ocean around New Zealand are conducted by researchers including Dr. Henry Wu from the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT).
The current global interest in climate change has highlighted the importance of long-term data collection at places like Baring Head. As we strive to understand and mitigate the effects of global warming, projects like Carbon Watch NZ will continue to play a crucial role in our quest for a sustainable future.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
