Why is there a seasonal cycle of CO2？

In summary, in the Southern Hemisphere the cycle is opposite, and there is a time constant for the air of the Northern Hemisphere to mix with the air from the Southern Hemisphere.
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Kior
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I am preparing my AOSS class next semester, and I found it is interesting that there is a seasonal cycle of CO2. I looked for some information on the Internet, and this seems to do with the plants. They awake in the spring and summer, absorbing a lot of CO2 by photosynthesis and die in the autumn and winter, releasing the CO2 by respiration. But they seem to all mention that it is " in the north hemisphere ". So what happens in the south hemisphere? Is it because north hemisphere actually contains the majority of the landmasses which make the seasonal cycle phenomenon obvious?
 
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  • #2
The data you have shown is taken in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, the cycle is opposite. There is a time constant for the air of the Northern Hemisphere to mix with the air from the Southern Hemisphere. The time constant is on the order of about 2 years.

I'm moving this thread to the Earth Science Forum.

Chet
 
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  • #3
Chestermiller said:
The data you have shown is taken in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, the cycle is opposite. There is a time constant for the air of the Northern Hemisphere to mix with the air from the Southern Hemisphere. The time constant is on the order of about 2 years.

I'm moving this thread to the Earth Science Forum.

Chet
Thanks!
 
  • #4
More on measurements of atmospheric CO2 - https://scripps.ucsd.edu/programs/keelingcurve/
https://scripps.ucsd.edu/programs/k...society-to-recognize-keeling-curve/#more-1297

In the southern hemisphere - http://www.csiro.au/greenhouse-gases/

Seasonal variation
Carbon dioxide concentrations show seasonal variations (annual cycles) that vary according to global location and altitude. Several processes contribute to carbon dioxide annual cycles: for example, uptake and release of carbon dioxide by terrestrial plants and the oceans, and the transport of carbon dioxide around the globe from source regions (the Northern Hemisphere is a net source of carbon dioxide, the Southern Hemisphere a net sink).

The Cape Grim baseline carbon dioxide data displayed show both the annual cycle and the long-term trend.
 
  • #6
The Northern cycle should predominate, as there is greater landmass there. There is a lag-time in the data like the cosine and sine wave due to the time it takes to reach equilibrium.
 
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Related to Why is there a seasonal cycle of CO2？

1. Why does the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere change throughout the year?

The seasonal cycle of CO2 is due to natural processes such as photosynthesis and respiration in plants and animals, as well as changes in temperature and the amount of sunlight. During the spring and summer months, plants are actively growing and taking in CO2 through photosynthesis, which reduces the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. In contrast, during the fall and winter months, plants go through a period of dormancy and release CO2 through respiration, causing an increase in atmospheric CO2 levels.

2. How does the seasonal cycle of CO2 impact global climate change?

The seasonal cycle of CO2 is a natural process that has occurred for thousands of years. However, human activities such as burning fossil fuels have significantly increased the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, leading to an overall increase in global temperatures. The seasonal cycle of CO2 acts as a natural regulator of atmospheric CO2 levels, but it is not enough to counteract the effects of human-caused emissions on global climate change.

3. What factors influence the amplitude of the seasonal cycle of CO2?

The amplitude, or the difference between the highest and lowest levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, can vary from year to year. Factors such as the amount and distribution of plant life, ocean temperatures, and weather patterns can all impact the amplitude of the seasonal cycle of CO2. Additionally, human activities such as deforestation and land use changes can also affect the seasonal cycle of CO2.

4. How do scientists measure the seasonal cycle of CO2?

Scientists use a variety of methods to measure the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, including ground-based monitoring stations, satellite observations, and data from ice cores. These measurements are taken regularly throughout the year and can provide a comprehensive understanding of the seasonal cycle of CO2 and its impact on the Earth's climate.

5. Can the seasonal cycle of CO2 be influenced by human actions?

While the seasonal cycle of CO2 is primarily driven by natural processes, human activities such as deforestation and land use changes can impact the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere and alter the seasonal cycle. Additionally, human-caused emissions of CO2 have significantly contributed to the overall increase in atmospheric CO2 levels, which can also impact the seasonal cycle of CO2. It is important for humans to reduce their carbon footprint and mitigate the effects of climate change on the Earth's natural systems.

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