Why is atmospheric CO2 measured in Hawaii?

We have confidence that the CO2 measurements made at the Mauna Loa Observatory reflect truth about our global atmosphere. The main reasons for that confidence are: The Observatory near the summit of Mauna Loa, at an altitude of 3400 m, is well situated to measure air masses that are representative of very large areas.

Why is the Keeling curve in Hawaii?

The Keeling Curve is a measurement of the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere made atop Hawaii’s Mauna Loa since 1958. In the first part of the 20th century it was suspected that the concentration of atmospheric CO2might be increasing in the atmosphere due to fossil fuel combustion.

Where did we gather CO2 historical data from?

Charles David Keeling of Scripps Institution of Oceanography was the leading authority in establishing the global atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) record. In 1958, Keeling began measuring atmospheric CO2 concentrations from Hawaii’s Mauna Loa Observatory.

How did Keeling measure CO2?

Charles David Keeling. Keeling began studying atmospheric carbon dioxide in 1956 by taking air samples and measuring the amount of CO2 they contained. Over time he noticed a pattern. The air samples taken at night contained a higher concentration of CO2 compared to samples taken during the day.

Why are the annual cycles of CO2 concentrations different for Hawaii and the South Pole?

These latitudinal differences in fluctuation are the result of photosynthetic activity by plants. As plants begin to photosynthesize in the spring and summer, they consume CO2 from the at- mosphere and eventually use it as a carbon source for growth and reproduction.

How do we measure CO2 in the atmosphere?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) in ambient and standard air samples is detected using a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) analyzer. The measurement of CO2 in air is made relative to reference standards whose CO2 mixing ratio is determined with high precision and accuracy.