Global Patterns of Carbon Dioxide Variability from Satellite Observations

Abstract

Advanced satellite technology has been providing unique observations of global carbon dioxide (CO_2) concentrations. These observations have revealed important CO_2 variability at different timescales and over regional and planetary scales. Satellite CO_2 retrievals have revealed that stratospheric sudden warming and the Madden-Julian Oscillation can modulate atmospheric CO_2 concentrations in the mid-troposphere. Atmospheric CO_2 also demonstrates variability at interannual timescales. In the tropical region, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation and the Tropospheric Biennial Oscillation can change atmospheric CO_2 concentrations. At high latitudes, mid-tropospheric CO_2 concentrations can be influenced by the Northern Hemispheric annular mode. In addition to modulations by the large-scale circulations, sporadic events such as wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and droughts, which change CO_2 surface emissions, can cause atmospheric CO_2 concentrations to increase significantly. The natural variability of CO_2 summarized in this review can help us better understand its sources and sinks and its redistribution by atmospheric motion.

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