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The Use of Radiocarbon Measurements in Atmospheric Studies1

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 July 2016

M R Manning ,
D C Lowe ,
W H Melhuish ,
R J Sparks ,
Gavin Wallace ,
C A M Brenninkmeijer  and
R C McGill
M R Manning
Affiliation:
Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
D C Lowe
Affiliation:
Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
W H Melhuish
Affiliation:
Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
R J Sparks
Affiliation:
Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
Gavin Wallace
Affiliation:
Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
C A M Brenninkmeijer
Affiliation:
Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
R C McGill
Affiliation:
Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
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Abstract

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14C measured in trace gases in clean air helps to determine the sources of such gases, their long-range transport in the atmosphere, and their exchange with other carbon cycle reservoirs. In order to separate sources, transport and exchange, it is necessary to interpret measurements using models of these processes. We present atmospheric 14CO2 measurements made in New Zealand since 1954 and at various Pacific Ocean sites for shorter periods. We analyze these for latitudinal and seasonal variation, the latter being consistent with a seasonally varying exchange rate between the stratosphere and troposphere. The observed seasonal cycle does not agree with that predicted by a zonally averaged global circulation model. We discuss recent accelerator mass spectrometry measurements of atmospheric 14CH4 and the problems involved in determining the fossil fuel methane source. Current data imply a fossil carbon contribution of ca 25%, and the major sources of uncertainty in this number are the uncertainty in the nuclear power source of 14CH4, and in the measured value for δ 14C in atmospheric methane.

Type
Articles
Information
Radiocarbon , Volume 32 , Issue 1 , 1990 , pp. 37 - 58
Copyright
Copyright © 1990 The American Journal of Science 

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