CO2 semiannual oscillation in the middle troposphere and at the surface

Abstract

Using in situ measurements, we find a semiannual oscillation (SAO) in the midtropospheric and surface CO2. Chemistry transport models (2-D Caltech/JPL model, 3-D GEOS-Chem, and 3-D MOZART-2) are used to investigate possible sources for the SAO signal in the midtropospheric and surface CO 2. From model sensitivity studies, it is revealed that the SAO signal in the midtropospheric CO2 originates mainly from surface CO 2 with a small contribution from transport fields. It is also found that the source for the SAO signal in surface CO2 is mostly related to the CO2 exchange between the biosphere and the atmosphere. By comparing model CO2 with in situ CO2 measurements at the surface, we find that models are able to capture both annual and semiannual cycles well at the surface. Model simulations of the annual and semiannual cycles of CO2 in the tropical middle troposphere agree reasonably well with aircraft measurements. © 2012. American Geophysical Union.