Earth System Research Laboratory Halocarbons and Other Atmospheric Trace Gases Old Flask Gas Chromatograph (GC) Measurements ...

• Main Authors: Nance, David, Dutton, Geoffrey, Hall, Bradley, Elkins, James
• Format: Dataset
• Language: unknown
• Published: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information 2017
• Subjects: Antarctic; The Antarctic; Antarc*
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.7289/v5959ft5; https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/metadata/landing-page/bin/iso?id=gov.noaa.ncdc:C01553

The Halocarbons and other Atmospheric Trace Species (HATS) group aims to quantify the atmospheric burden, and the distributions and magnitudes of sources and sinks for nitrous oxide and other halogen containing compounds. They utilize numerous types of platforms, including ground-based stations, towers, ships, aircraft, and balloons to accomplish their mission. HATS measures chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) at measurement sites spanning the globe. CFCs are non-toxic, non-flammable chemicals that contain carbon, chlorine, and fluorine atoms. CFCs were used as solvents, refrigerants, and aerosol sprays. While inert in the troposphere, they decompose in the stratosphere to release chlorine for destructive reactions with ozone. This process eventually led to the creation of the "Ozone Hole" over the Antarctic. Monitoring the amounts of CFCs and other trace gases is important, both for tracking the growth and recovery of the Ozone Hole, and because many upward trending trace gases are potent and durable greenhouse ...