A Flight-Ready Greenhouse Gas Analyzer

Scientists have reached a strong consensus that human emissions of greenhouse gases are causing global warming. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns of many possible consequences, including increased risk of infectious disease epidemics, increased floods, landslides, avalanches, and mudslides, decreased crop yields, decreased quality and quantity of water resources, and increased risk of forest fire. A better understanding of the climate system will improve prediction of the environmental, economic, and human health risks from an enhanced greenhouse effect. However, current climate models that couple the physical climate (atmosphere and ocean) with biosphere models only crudely represent processes in the biosphere and their interaction with climate. To achieve a better representation of the relevant temporal scales in climate projections, the models must be based on high-quality greenhouse gas measurements made globally over decades. This project will develop a new greenhouse gas analyzer capable of recording CO2, CH4, and H2O mixing ratio of outside ambient air during regular flights of commercial aircraft. The analyzer would require no human intervention (other than routine maintenance), use minimal calibration standards, and meet the generally-accepted design specifications of aviation authorities. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: These measurements could quantitatively link the existing global network of near-surface greenhouse gas measurements to future satellite measurements. When used in climate models, these measurements would help to reduce environmental risks to society; strengthen capabilities to predict climate, weather, and air quality; and contribute to scientific assessments in support of environmental policy.