Mean Methane Levels reach 1800 ppb
18
June, 2013
On
May 9, the daily mean concentration of carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere of Mauna Loa, Hawaii,surpassed
400 parts per million (ppm)
for the first time since measurements began in 1958. This is 120 ppm
higher than pre-industrial peak levels. This unfortunate milestone
was widely reported in the media.
Now another milestone has been reached that looks even more threatening than the above one. On the morning of June 16, 2013, methane levels reached an average mean of 1800 parts per billion (ppb). This is 1100 ppb higher than pre-industrial peak levels.
Now another milestone has been reached that looks even more threatening than the above one. On the morning of June 16, 2013, methane levels reached an average mean of 1800 parts per billion (ppb). This is 1100 ppb higher than pre-industrial peak levels.
NOAA
image
|
Vostok
ice core analysis shows that temperatures and levels of carbon
dioxide and methane have all moved within narrow bands while
remaining in sync with each other over the past 400,000 years.
Carbon dioxide moved within a band with lower and upper boundaries
of respectively 200 and 280 ppm. Methane moved within lower and
upper boundaries of respectively 400 and 800 ppb.
Temperatures
moved within lower and upper boundaries of respectively -8 and 2
degrees Celsius.
From a historic perspective, greenhouse gas levels have risen abruptly to unprecedented levels. While already at a historic peak, humans have caused emissions of additional greenhouse gases. There's no doubt that such greenhouse gas levels will lead to huge rises in temperatures. The question is how long it will take for temperatures to catch up and rise.
From a historic perspective, greenhouse gas levels have risen abruptly to unprecedented levels. While already at a historic peak, humans have caused emissions of additional greenhouse gases. There's no doubt that such greenhouse gas levels will lead to huge rises in temperatures. The question is how long it will take for temperatures to catch up and rise.
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