The Macquarie Island (LoFlo2G) high-precision continuous atmospheric carbon dioxide record

A high-precision, continuous atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) record from Macquarie Island (54°37′S, 158°52′E), spanning 2005–2016, reveals critical insights into the Southern Ocean's role as a global CO₂ sink. The study leveraged ultra-high-precision LoFlo2 measurements, achieving uncertainty estimates of 0.01–0.05 µmol mol⁻¹, to distinguish oceanic and atmospheric CO₂ fluxes in this remote region. By filtering local and hemispheric CO₂ sources using within-minute standard deviation metrics and model-simulated radon concentrations, the team produced a noise-free seasonal variation record, surpassing the accuracy of traditional flask measurements. This breakthrough enhances our understanding of the Southern Ocean's spatial and temporal CO₂ dynamics, particularly when integrated with data from other Southern Hemispheric sites.

Stavert, A. R., Law, R. M., van der Schoot, M., Langenfelds, R. L., Spencer, D. A., Krummel, P. B., Chambers, S. D., Williams, A. G., Werczynski, S., Francey, R. J., & Howden, R. T. (2019). The Macquarie Island (LoFlo2G) high-precision continuous atmospheric carbon dioxide record. Atmospheric Measurement Techniques, 12(2), 1103–1121. https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-1103-2019