Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and its isotopic composition in southern Poland: comparison of high-altitude mountain site and a near-by urban environment

The results of regular observations of atmospheric CO 2 mixing ratios and its carbon isotope composition ( 13 C, … 14 C), carried out at two continental sites located in central Europe are presented and discussed. The sites (Kasprowy Wierch, 49 14 0 N, 19 59 0 E, 1989m a.s.l.; Krakow, 50 04 0 N, 19 55 0 E, 220m a.s.l.), are located in two contrast5 ing environments: (i) high-altitude mountaneous area, relatively free of anthropogenic influences, and (ii) typical urban environment with numerous local sources of carbon dioxide. Despite of relative proximity of those sites (ca. 100km), substantial di erences in both the recorded CO2 levels and their isotopic composition were detected. The CO2 mixing ratios measured in the urban atmosphere revealed quasi-permanent excess 10 concentration of this gas when compared with near-by background atmosphere. The annual mean CO2 concentration recorded in Krakow in 2004 was almost 10% higher than that recorded at high-altitude mountain site (Kasprowy Wierch). Such e ect is occuring probably in all urban centers. Carbon isotopic composition of atmospheric CO2 proved to be e cient tool for identification the surface CO2 fluxes into the atmosphere 15 related to fossil fuel burning and their influence on the recorded levels of this gas in the local atmosphere. The available records of … 14 C for Krakow and Kasprowy Wierch suggest gradual reduction of 14 C-free CO2 fluxes into the urban atmosphere of Krakow in the past several years.

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