Carbon Cycle Science Program 
Description: The
USGCRP budget includes $221 million in FY 2002 for research and observations
related to understanding the global carbon cycle. Carbon is important
as the basis for thefood and fiber that sustain human populations, as
the primary energy source that fuels human economies, and as a major
contributor to the planetary greenhouse effect and the potential for
climate change. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) concentration have
been increasing in the atmosphere, primarily as a result of human use
of fossil fuels and land clearing, and are now higher than they have
been for at least 400,000 years. Of the CO2 emitted to the atmosphere,
about half is currently taken up as part of the natural cycling of carbon
into the ocean, and into land plants and soils. These reservoirs of
carbon are known as carbon “sinks.” Changes in land management
practices and the addition of CO2 and nutrients are known to have the
potential to enhance significantly the uptake of carbon, particularly
by forests and croplands.
Added on: 09-Aug-2005 Hits: 51
Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (CDIAC
Description: CDIAC responds to data and information requests from users from all
over the world who are concerned with the greenhouse effect and global
climate change. CDIAC's data holdings include records of the
concentrations of carbon dioxide and other radiatively active gases in
the atmosphere; the role of the terrestrial biosphere and the oceans in
the biogeochemical cycles of greenhouse gases; emissions of carbon
dioxide to the atmosphere; long-term climate trends; the effects of
elevated carbon dioxide on vegetation; and the vulnerability of coastal
areas to rising sea level.
Added on: 16-Sep-2005 Hits: 46
Charles David Keeling: 1928-2005
Description:
Charles David Keeling, the world's leading authority on atmospheric greenhouse gas accumulation
and climate science pioneer at Scripps Institution of Oceanography since 1956, died of a heart
attack on June 20, 2005 while at his Montana home. He was 77 years old.
Added on: 25-Sep-2005 Hits: 50
Global Warming Facts & Our Future
Description: Climate Warming Is a Global Problem
But the impacts and potential solutions will affect us locally
and in many different ways. The challenge for each of us and for
our policy makers is to pursue effective responses that are as
fair as possible to all people and nations.
In this exhibition the National Academies provide scientific information
to help us make informed decisions and to help answer some important
questions.
Added on: 12-Aug-2005 Hits: 79
Integrating Worldwide CO2 Flux Measurements
Description: FLUXNET,
a "network of regional networks," coordinates
regional and global analysis of observations from micrometeorological
tower sites. The flux tower sites use eddy covariance methods to measure
the exchanges of carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor, and energy
between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere.
At
present, over 250 tower sites are operating on a long-term and
continuous basis. Researchers
also collect data on site vegetation, soil, hydrologic, and
meteorological characteristics at the tower sites. To search for flux
or site characteristics data, choose
"Obtain Data" from the menu above.
Added on: 09-Aug-2005 Hits: 79
NOAA Carbon Cycle Interactive Atmospheric Data Visualizaiton
Description: This data exploration tool enables visitors to
View all data including near real-time preliminary NOAA / CCGG measurement results.
Obtain details about each sampling location.
Manipulate and compare NOAA / CCGG data sets.
Create custom graphs.
View their plots on-line with an option to save figures locally for later use.
Added on: 20-Jul-2005 Hits: 70
The Warming of the Earth
Description: This page is based on a brief synopsis of the 2001 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and the National Research Councils 2001 report Climate Change Science: An Analysis of Some Key Questions, as well as NCDCs own data resources.
Added on: 12-Aug-2005 Hits: 70
