Spectroscopic observations of atmospheric trace gases over Kitt Peak: 1. Carbon dioxide and methane from 1979 to 1985

Abstract

We have analyzed atmospheric spectra obtained with the Fourier transform spectrometer on Kitt Peak, in Arizona, for absorption by CO2 and CH4. During the period 1979–1985 we find that the CO2 total column amount was increasing at a rate of 0.4%/yr and that CH4 was increasing at a rate of 1.1%/yr. This is in substantial agreement with air sampling measurements from other sites. In addition, a weak seasonal variation of ∼2% is detected in CO2, but none is seen in CH4.