Note on recent increased day-to-day variability

Robert MonroeDaily Measurements, Measurement Notes

Photo: Erik Jepsen/UC San Diego

An observer of Keeling Curve data queried last week why there’s such a spread in atmospheric CO2 measurements this year. In response, Scripps CO2 Program Director Ralph Keeling offered the following: “It’s true the Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO) record typically has considerable day-to-day variability in the first half of the calendar year.  It’s also true that this type of variability … Read More

During Year of Extremes, Carbon Dioxide Levels Surge Faster than Ever

Robert MonroeDaily Measurements, Keeling Curve History

Rainbow frames NOAA’s Mauna Loa Observatory. Photo: Brian Vasel, NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory

Carbon dioxide is accumulating in the atmosphere faster than ever — accelerating on a steep rise to levels far above any experienced during human existence, scientists from NOAA and Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego announced today. Scientists at Scripps Oceanography, which initiated the CO2 monitoring program known as the Keeling Curve at Mauna Loa in 1958 and … Read More

Scripps CO2 Instrument at Mauna Loa Observatory Back in Action

Robert MonroeAnnouncement, Daily Measurements, Keeling Curve History, Measurement Notes

Helicopter delivers photovoltaic rails, electrical conduit, and solar panels to Mauna Loa Observatory. Photo: Scott Prestien/EPC We are happy to report that measurements by the Scripps CO2 program resumed at Mauna Loa Observatory on March 9.   The CO2 analyzer is being powered with a solar power/battery system installed by NOAA staff at the Mauna Loa Observatory using helicopter access.  The … Read More

Update on CO2 readings commencing at Maunakea

Robert MonroeDaily Measurements, Measurement Notes

Ralph Keeling takes an air sample at Maunakea

(Above: Ralph Keeling takes an air sample at Maunakea Dec. 21, 2022) The Keeling Curve data stream was interrupted by the eruption of Mauna Loa on Nov. 28.  To help close this data gap, scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego worked with partners from NOAA and the Maunakea Observatory partners to install a nearly-identical carbon dioxide … Read More