High Precision Long-Term Monitoring of Radiatively Active and Related Trace Gases at Surface Sites and from Aircraft in the Southern Hemisphere Atmosphere

Abstract Routine high precision measurements of atmospheric CO2, CH4, CO, H2, N2O, and CO2 stable isotopes are conducted by CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australia). Of particular relevance to global monitoring of these species, particularly from remote sensing space platforms, are developments aimed at merging data from independent tropospheric monitoring networks and regular vertical sampling of the Southern Hemisphere atmosphere. Both are discussed. Examples include mean 1992–96 vertical and seasonal behavior for CO and CH4 at 41°S, 145°E, which exhibit considerable systematic structure. The access details for technical methods and archived data records are provided.