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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Global Monitoring Division (GMD)
Boulder, Colorado
Dates in Antarctica:
Samples and data collected year-round.
Supporting Stations: Palmer Station
Research Locations: Atmospheric Research Observatory (South Pole), Terra Lab (Palmer)
Project Description:
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Earth System Research Laboratory, Global Monitoring Division conducts long-term measurements of the trace atmospheric constituents that influence climate change. A collaborative project (O-257-S), conducts measurements at South Pole that are used for time-series analyses of multi-year data records focusing on stratospheric ozone depletion, trans-Antarctic transport and deposition, the interplay of trace gases and aerosols with solar and terrestrial radiation fluxes on the polar plateau, the magnitude of seasonal and temporal variations in greenhouse gases, and the development of polar stratospheric clouds over Antarctica. Air samples collected at Palmer Station are used in conjunction with the above measurements from South Pole to help increase the understanding of atmospheric dynamics over the Antarctic continent.
Overview:
Instruments at South Pole Station operate automatically. At Palmer Station, the physician will collect weekly air samples year-round from behind the T-5 building using a portable flushing and pressurizing apparatus. One or two samples will be collected each week, and environmental conditions at the time of sampling will be logged. Sampling will occasionally be deferred until certain meteorological criteria are met. All samples will be returned to NOAA/GMD in Boulder, Colorado on a regular schedule for analysis of carbon dioxide and other trace constituents.
Deploying Team Members:
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