NASA has implemented improvements to the system for monitoring carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere, utilizing a new version of the algorithms used to process data from two space instruments. This update has enabled the creation of a more precise global record, consolidating measurements taken since September 2014.
This set of instruments is based on observations from the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) and OCO-3. Daily, these devices capture over one million records of sunlight reflected by the Earth's surface. Through the physics of light propagation in the atmosphere, algorithms convert this information into estimates of carbon dioxide concentration.
OCO-2 was launched in 2014 as an autonomous satellite, while OCO-3 was integrated into the International Space Station (ISS) in 2019. Together, the instruments provide essential worldwide coverage for scientists to study the carbon cycle, which describes the circulation of this element among the planet's various reservoirs.
One of the greatest advantages of this new arrangement is the ability to track the rate of carbon dioxide accumulation in the atmosphere monthly, instead of relying solely on annual comparisons. This higher frequency allows researchers to observe more quickly how extreme events impact the carbon cycle, including wildfires, drought periods, and climatic phenomena such as El Niño.
Additionally, the historical data can be useful for investigations into the behavior of carbon at different scales, ranging from urban areas to the planet as a whole. The updated record is already available to the public. Researchers indicate that this data has the potential to deepen the understanding of the carbon cycle and assist in evaluating the effectiveness of environmental policies.