In situ chloroform measurements at Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment atmospheric research stations from 1994 to 1998

Abstract

Measurements of atmospheric chloroform (CHCl 3 ) by in situ gas chromatography using electron capture detection are reported from the Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE) network of atmospheric research stations. They are some of the most comprehensive in situ, high‐frequency measurements to be reported for CHCl 3 and provide valuable information not only on clean “baseline” mixing ratios but also on local and regional sources. Emissions from these sources cause substantial periodic increases in CHCl 3 concentrations above their baseline levels, which can be used to identify source strengths. This is particularly the case for measurements made at Mace Head, Ireland. Furthermore, these local sources of CHCl 3 emissions are significant in relation to current estimates of global emissions and illustrate that the understanding of competing sources and sinks of CHCl 3 is still fragmentary. These observations also show that CHCl 3 has a very pronounced seasonal cycle with a summer minimum and winter maximum presumably resulting from enhanced destruction by OH in the summer. The amplitude of the cycle is dependent on sampling location. Over the 57 months of in situ measurements a global average baseline concentration of 8.9±0.1 ppt was determined with no appreciable trend in the baseline detected.