Andrew Crotwell, greenhouse gas measurements

NOAA’s Global Monitoring Laboratory manages a global network of scientists and institutions that track and understand atmospheric greenhouse gas levels. At the foundation of that network are accurate measurements and calibration standards. Andrew Crotwell is recognized for work that modernized and significantly improved several core measurements systems.

To start, Crotwell developed a new calibration scale transfer system for carbon dioxide; a system that can accomodate the latest laser-based measurement technologies. He also innovated a method to address long-standing challenges in measuring carbon monoxide. And finally, he developed a new system to more efficiently and accurately measure key species (CO2, CH4, N2O, CO and SF6) from weekly flask-air samples collected around the world.

Crotwell’s expertise earned him a spot on a World Meteorological Organization committee that advises the entire international atmospheric community on technical aspects of these measurements and calibrations.

“Achieving progress in these topics requires profound technical expertise, experimental rigor and high attentiveness to small effects,” one person wrote in support of the nomination. “Andrew Crotwell certainly has all these qualities.”