Analysis of air samples for trace levels of hydrocarbons, fluorocarbons and light hydrocarbons

The importance of minor atmospheric constituents to the global climate is well established but knowledge of their chemistry, distribution (by latitude, altitude and season) is sparse. This project aimed to determine the vertical and latitudinal concentration profile of trace gases in order to elucidate their importance in the major chemical cycles in the troposphere. The data collected here is added to global data to have a profile between 10°S and 80°S. Air samples were collected from ground level in the McMurdo Sound area to the South Pole at various altitudes up to 15,000 feet (200, 500, 1000, 2000, 30000, 5000, 7500, 10000, 12500 and 15000). Ambient temperatures were recorded during sampling. A chemical analysis was conducted for trace levels of hydrocarbons, light hydrocarbons and flurocarbons (eg. CH4, CO2, 11F, 12F, CH3CCl3 and CCl4, CCl2F2) by gas chromatography. The vertical concentration profiles were compared with upper air wind and temperature measurements to determine a relationship with trace composition and weather systems.