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Title Variation in atmospheric methane at Mauna-Loa Observatory related to long-range transport
Creator/Author Harris, J.M. ; Tans, P.P. ; Dlugokencky, E.J. ; Masarie, K.A. ; Lang, P.M. ; Whittlestone, S. ; Steele, L.P. (NOAA, Boulder, CO (USA). Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics Laboratory)
Publication Date1992 Apr 20
OSTI IdentifierOSTI ID: 7029303
Other Number(s)ISSN0148-0227; CODEN: JGREA
Resource TypeJournal Article
Resource RelationJournal of Geophysical Research ; Vol/Issue: 97:D5
Subject540120 -- Environment, Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-); METHANE-- ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATION;METHANE-- SEASONAL VARIATIONS; ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT;HAWAII;SINKS;USA;WIND
Related SubjectALKANES;DEVELOPED COUNTRIES;FEDERAL REGION IX;HYDROCARBONS;MASS TRANSFER;NORTH AMERICA;ORGANIC COMPOUNDS;USA;VARIATIONS
Description/Abstract Methane measurements, radon measurements, and air mass trajectories calculated for Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO) are examined to determine relationships among methane source/sink regions, flow patterns for MLO, and methane variations on the synoptic-to-seasonal scale.^Evidence is presented that the methane seasonal cycle observed at MLO is in large part driven by seasonal variations in transport.^Furthermore, the variability in methane mixing ratio at MLO is higher in winter than in summer because of greater variability in flow patterns.^The median methane mixing ratio corresponding to tradewind flow was 17.2 ppbv (parts per billion by volume) lower than that corresponding to strong westerly flow.^This difference is attributed to transport from source/sink regions, flow across the methane latitudinal gradient, and seasonality of flow patterns.^Changes in flow pattern from sink to source origins can result in a 50 ppbv rise in methane mixing ratio over a period of a few days.^During winter, alternation of westerly winds, tradewinds and anticyclonically curving flows contribute to the large variability in the methane mixing ratio.^During summer this variability is reduced with the cessation of strong westerly flows from methane source regions.^In July and August, air parcels originate far from methane source regions and in the area of highest modeled OH concentration.^At the same time, methane mixing ratios decrease to the lowest value for the year.^In this way, the seasonality of flow patterns exerts a major influence on the observed seasonal cycle of methane at MLO.
Country of PublicationUnited States
LanguageEnglish
FormatPages: 6003-6010
System Entry Date2001 May 13

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