Observations of halogenated greenhouse gases and estimation of European source strengths

• Main Authors: Greally, BR, Simmonds, PG, O'Doherty, SJ, Nickless, G, McCulloch, A, Reimann, S, Schmidbauer, N, Maione, M, Ryall, DB, Derwent, RG, Manning, AJ
• Other Authors: VanHam, J, Baede, APM, Guicherit, R, WilliamsJacobse, JGF
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2002
• Subjects: Spitzbergen
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/1983/a538e159-1b28-440e-abee-96d6107e288a; https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/publications/a538e159-1b28-440e-abee-96d6107e288a

The relative lack of information on long-term changes in atmospheric abundance of non-CO2 greenhouse gases in Europe is being addressed under the System for Observation of Greenhouse gases in Europe (SOGE) program. Results are presented from the in situ observations of the CFCs and their substitutes the HCFCs and HFCs at 4 European locations covering sites in Western and Northern Europe (Ireland and Spitzbergen) and include elevated mountain sites in Central and Southern Europe (Switzerland and Italy). Measurements of halogenated greenhouse gases are achieved using automated gas chromatograph-mass spectrometers combined with a specialized preconcentration device with detection limits of 0.5 ppty based on a 2 litre air sample. Frequent calibration to internationally used scales is undertaken to achieve a consistent dataset. When combined with models of air dispersion these observations have been used to estimate European source strengths for many of the important halogenated greenhouse gases. Furthermore the measurements provide a cross-check that the available emission inventories are reasonable and that, where applicable, internationally-agreed reductions in emissions are being implemented.