The Mauna Loa carbon dioxide record: lessons for long-term Earth observations

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Abstract

The Mauna Loa carbon dioxide record is an iconic symbol of the human capacity to alter the planet. Yet this record would not have been possible without the remarkable work of one man, Charles David Keeling. We describe three emergent themes that characterized his work: (1) his desire to study and understand the processes that control atmospheric CO2 and the global carbon cycle, (2) his campaign to identify and minimize systematic measurement error, and (3) his tenacious efforts to maintain continuous funding despite changing government priorities and institutions. In many ways, the story of the Mauna Loa record demonstrates that distinctions between research and “routine” measurements are not very useful in long-term monitoring of Earth properties and processes.

Publication type Book chapter
Publication Subtype Book Chapter
Title The Mauna Loa carbon dioxide record: lessons for long-term Earth observations
DOI 10.1029/2009GM000913
Volume 183
Year Published 2009
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) National Research Program - Eastern Region
Description 9 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Monograph
Larger Work Title Carbon Sequestration and Its Role in the Global Carbon Cycle
First page 27
Last page 35
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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