Improved Model of the Carbon Cycle Can Help Verify Reported Emissions

Robert MonroeMeasurement Notes

Researchers at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography have created a more accurate model of global carbon cycling. The model better accounts for the contributions of Earth’s terrestrial ecosystems to atmospheric concentrations of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, a major source of uncertainty for scientists tallying global emissions. The model’s improved accuracy could help humanity monitor and verify reported … 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

Historic Keeling Curve Observation Interrupted by Volcanic Eruption

Robert MonroeAnnouncement, Keeling Curve History, Measurement Notes

Photo: NOAA   The carbon dioxide measurement equipment that maintains the famed Keeling Curve record lost power at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 28 and is not currently recording data. Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, erupted at 1:30 a.m. PST on Nov. 28 after weeks of heightened internal activity. Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, which … Read More

Statement from Scripps Oceanography, UK Met Office on Record High CO2 Buildup

Robert MonroeAnnouncement, Climate in the News, Measurement Notes, Outreach

Researchers Richard Betts from the UK Met Office Hadley Centre and Ralph Keeling of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego issued the following statement today regarding new record levels of CO2 in the atmosphere in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. The full text of the statement with graphics is available with graphics through this link and is included … Read More

Notice on revised CO2 scale

Robert MonroeMeasurement Notes

As of February 21, 2021, the CO2 data from the Scripps CO2 program are reported on a revised CO2 scale, which has the effect of lowering the recent Mauna Loa record by ∼0.08 ppm compared to the previous scale.      

What does it take for the coronavirus (or other major economic events) to affect global carbon dioxide readings?

Robert MonroeClimate in the News, Measurement Notes

A downturn in global fossil fuel use has been prompted by curtailments of travel and social gatherings in response to the spread of the coronavirus. Could this downturn be reflected in atmospheric carbon dioxide readings that comprise the record known as the Keeling Curve, which is managed by scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego? Scripps Oceanography … Read More