Measurements of CO2 and CH4 in the field made using portable instrumentation

Introduction (PDF, 3,141kB) [PDF, 3.06 MB]

GHG and isotope applications (PDF, 4,964kB) [PDF, 6.39 MB]

UK DECC Network (PDF, 2,810kB) [PDF, 2.74 MB]

Abstract

A global economic and environmental transformation is under way, driven by perturbations in the global carbon, water and nitrogen cycles. Understanding the root causes of these changes and developing solutions to address them requires accurate and transparent information—on all spatial and temporal scales.  Knowledge based on precise and reliable data, not estimations, is the only way to truly transform the discourse about these changes.  Measurements of this standard were previously unattainable outside of the well-calibrated instruments used in large laboratories at leading universities or government facilities.

Picarro, a company based in California, has developed a new range of instruments that can make ultra-precise measurements of trace gases and their stable isotopes using portable instruments.  Renato Winkler and  Rob Peters from Picarro will describe these instruments and their applications in detail.  Aoife Grant from the Atmospheric Chemistry Research Group at the University of Bristol will also give an overview of the new tall tower greenhouse gas network in the UK - the UK Deriving Emissions linked to Climate Change Network  which uses these instruments to make ultra high-frequency greenhouse gas measurements. These measurements are used to create emission maps of greenhouse gases across the UK and submitted to the UK government.