Research Highlights

Can recent growth rate anomalies in the greenhouse gases be attributed to large-scale biomass burning events? (2005)

A significant annual increase in the rate of CO2 accumulation was observed at the Mace Head (Ireland) AGAGE station during 2002-2003. While unexpected, the increase was in close agreement with a similar increase reported in Hawaii.

What are the lingering U.S. emissions of ozone-depleting gases? (2005)

AGAGE measurements of pollution events at Trinidad Head (CA) have been used to infer decreases of the emissions of CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113 and methyl chloroform from 1996 to 2003.

Are there large lingering European emissions of the important ozone-depleting gas methyl chloroform (1,1,1-trichloroethane)? (2005)

Long term data show that annual European emissions of methyl chloroform did not exceed 3,400 tons from 2000-2003. Methyl chloroform is one of the ozone depleting substances phased out under the Montreal Protocol.

Is the self-cleansing capacity of the atmosphere changing? (2005)

The hydroxyl free radical (OH) is the major oxidizing chemical in the atmosphere—it destroys trace gases, including many involved in ozone depletion, the greenhouse effect and urban air pollution.

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