Continuous measurements of greenhouse gases and atmospheric oxygen in the Namib Desert

A new near-coastal background site in the Namib Desert, established for greenhouse gas (GHG) and atmospheric oxygen observations, reveals significant seasonal and synoptic-scale variability in GHG concentrations. The study found that continental air masses influenced by biomass burning during the fire season (peaking in September) led to notable anomalies in carbon monoxide and methane levels. Additionally, top-down estimates of air-sea fluxes for CO₂, O₂, CH₄, N₂O, and CO from the Benguela Current region showed substantial methane release, suggesting a large sedimentary source in Walvis Bay, while CO₂ and oxygen fluxes were substantial but likely unaccounted for in current budgets. The research utilized semi-automated, continuous measurements of multiple GHGs and atmospheric oxygen, employing advanced spectrometers and differential fuel cell analyzers, with data validated through atmospheric transport analysis and shipboard measurements.

Morgan, E. J., & Max-Planck-Institut Für Biogeochemie (Jena). (2015). Continuous measurements of greenhouse gases and atmospheric oxygen in the Namib Desert. Max-Planck-Institut für Biogeochemie. https://doi.org/10.4126/FRL01-006399903