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

What Does This Number Mean?

Robert MonroeMeasurement Notes

Repost of April 2013 entry The Mauna Loa carbon dioxide (CO2) record, also known as the “Keeling Curve,” is the world’s longest unbroken record of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations.  

How are CO2 Data Processed?

Robert MonroeMeasurement Notes

Scientists make CO2 measurements in remote locations to obtain air that is representative of a large volume of Earth’s atmosphere and relatively free from local influences that could skew readings.

Why Don’t Global Surface Temperature Trends Match Atmospheric CO2 Increases?

Robert MonroeDaily Measurements

Question submitted to Scripps Oceanography science magazine explorations now by Ruben M., Watsonville, Calif. Great question Ruben! The surface temperature we experience every day is not expected to perfectly track CO2 because CO2 isn’t the only factor driving climate change. Still, it is quite an important factor, and the overall rise in temperature does roughly follow the overall rise in CO2. … Read More