The 7th International CO2 Conference Web Site - What Can We Learn from Intensive Atmospheric Sampling Field Programs?

by John Lin

Intensive atmospheric sampling field programs are envisioned as a key component of integrated research programs such as the North American Carbon Program (NACP) [Sarmiento and Wofsy, 1999; Wofsy and Harriss, 2002]. The intensive sampling provides unique information about the spatial distribution of CO₂ as well as imposes tight constraints on regional budgets that are difficult to obtain from other means. We summarize what we have learned from the numerous COBRA (CO₂ Budget and Rectification Airborne study) experiments [Gerbig et al., 2003a] that have taken place in 2000, 2003, and 2004. We present the observed spatial variability of CO₂ [Gerbig et al., 2003a; Lin et al., 2004a] and regional budgets derived from regional air parcel-following experiments [Lin et al., 2004b]. These observations are also used as a critical testbed for modeling frameworks [Gerbig et al., 2003b]. We draw conclusions about ways to maximize the value of intensive atmospheric sampling experiments and the role that such experiments should play within programs like the NACP.

Link to Abstract
Link to Slides