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| UNIVERSITY EDUCATION : Faculty | Courses | Fellowships | Students | Graduates | Partners |
Baseline Monitoring for Climatic Change |
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The Global Monitoring Division maintains and operates the five United States baseline observatories located at Barrow, Alaska; Trinidad Head California; Mauna Loa, Hawaii; American Samoa; and the South Pole. At these observatories, measurements are made of atmospheric trace constituents that have a potential impact on climate, including atmospheric aerosols, carbon dioxide, methane, carbon monoxide, chlorofluorocarbons, N2O, surface and total column ozone, and atmospheric radiation. Research opportunities include (1) conducting a specific monitoring effort at a baseline observatory, (2) participating in analysis of data currently available, (3) developing measurement methods and standards, and (4) conducting modeling studies to assess the global-scale budgets and the impact of measured atmospheric trace constituents on the radiation balance and hence on climate. Baseline Observatories. The five NOAA baseline observatories are excellently located for baseline monitoring of trace constituents. Measurements at other geographic locations may be useful and should also be considered by the applicant. Applicants are encouraged to make use of the existing observations for acquisition of data to support their own research interests. Analysis. Proper analysis and interpretation is fundamental to understanding the GMD trace-constituent measurements. The final goal of our program is to understand the transport, modification, and budgets of these trace constituents. Applicants are encouraged to make use of the existing data base. Instruments and Techniques. The Global Monitoring Division develops measurement methods and standards. Instruments used include ozone spectrophotometers, lidar, chemiluminescent gas analyzers, infrared gas analyzers, gas chromatographs, radiometers, nuclei counters, and nephelometers. Research opportunities exist for instrument development and improvement and development of calibration techniques and standards. |
NOAA ESRL Contact CIRES Contact |
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