Carbon Cycle Greenhouse Gases

U.S. Dept. of Commerce / NOAA / OAR / CMDL / CCGG

The NOAA CMDL cooperative air sampling network effort began in 1967 at Niwot Ridge, Colorado. Today, the network is an international effort which includes regular discrete samples from the 4 NOAA CMDL baseline observatories, cooperative fixed sites, and commercial ships. Air samples are collected weekly from a globally distributed network of sites. Samples are analyzed in Boulder by CCGG for CO₂, CH₄, CO, H₂, N₂O, and SF₆; and by INSTAAR for the stable isotopes of CO₂ and CH₄. Measurement data are used to identify long-term trends, seasonal variability, and spatial distribution of carbon cycle gases.

• Current sampling network.
  World map showing the current NOAA/CMDL Global Cooperative Air Sampling Network (GIF file, 33K).
• List of sampling sites.
  List of all sites currently operating, with descriptions of each site. Also includes discontinued sites.
• Nations Involved with the Air Sampling Network
  Links to site descriptions are grouped by nation.
• Site Information Summary
  A text version of pertinent site information.
• Sampling Methods
  Air samples are collected in glass flasks using portable sampling units developed by CCGG.