Greally, B. R., Simmonds, P. G., O’Doherty, S., McCulloch, A., Miller, B. R., Salameh, P. K., Mühle, J., Tanhua, Toste , Harth, C., Weiss, R. F., Fraser, P. J., Krummel, P. B., Dunse, B. L., Porter, L. W. and Prinn, R. G. (2005) Improved continuous in situ measurements of C₁-C₃ PFCs, HFCs, HCFCs, CFCs and SF₆ in Europe and Australia. Environmental Sciences, 2 (2-3). pp. 253-261. DOI 10.1080/15693430500402614.

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Abstract

Improved monitoring of non-CO2 greenhouse gases in air samples is presented, achieved using a new analytical system based on preconcentration, gas-chromatography and mass spectrometry. In addition to the major HFCs, HCFCs and CFCs, the new observations include the first in situ time series of the C1–C3 PFCs (CF4, C2F6 and C3F8) and the more volatile of the HFCs (CHF3, CH2F2, CH3CF3) alongside SF6, all of which are now monitored routinely as part of the Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE). Observed trends in newly monitored species are shown, obtained from 1–2 years continuous in situ air analyses at remote monitoring sites at Mace Head (Ireland) and Cape Grim (Australia). Observed deviations in the air background for these gas species are linked to modelled trajectories of air masses arriving at the monitoring stations to indicate potential source regions for emissions in Europe and Australia. In addition, preliminary estimates of 2004 mixing ratio growth rates of compounds are deduced from the observations, which highlight the importance of continuous atmospheric monitoring for verification of consumption-based emission estimates of non-CO2 greenhouse gases.

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