The increase of carbon dioxide gas (CO2) in Earth’s atmosphere has been measured at Mauna Loa Observatory continuously since 1958 and follows an oscillating line known as the “Keeling Curve”, named after the late Dr. Charles David Keeling, professor at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The widely recognized “Keeling Curve” represents the longest, continuous record of atmospheric CO2 concentrations available in the world.

Dr. Keeling was the first to report that global atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide are rising.  During the day, leaves from the plants absorb sunlight to take up CO2 from the atmosphere in a process called photosynthesis. At the same time plants, animals, and soil microbes consume the carbon in organic matter and return CO2 to the atmosphere during respiration. During winter in the northern hemisphere, photosynthesis ceases when many plants lose their leaves, but respiration continues. This condition leads to an increase in atmospheric CO2 concentrations during the northern hemisphere winter. With the onset of spring, however, photosynthesis resumes and atmospheric CO2 concentrations are reduced. This cycle is reflected in the monthly means (blue and red curves) of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations shown in the below graph.

OUR BREATHING PLANET

Carbon dioxide measurements at Mauna Loa Observatory since observations began in 1957. Note the uptake of carbon dioxide related to the terrestrial biosphere during the Northern Hemisphere summer.

THE FLYING CO2 CARPET

Carbon dioxide mixing ratio as a function of latitude and time since 1992 from the global sampling network.

Global carbon emissions from fossil fuel burning and the annual increase in atmospheric carbon from carbon dioxide increases. The difference between the two curves gives the annual uptake of carbon by the oceans and terrestrial biosphere.

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