Annual measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and isotopic ratios from Arrival Heights, Ross Island since December 1996

Carbon dioxide (CO2) in the earth's atmosphere is considered a trace gas and also a greenhouse gas. Levels of CO2 in the atmosphere are increasing due to anthropogenic activity. Small dry whole air samples (2L) are collected annually (between 12 to 18 samples since December 1996) by a pump system from Arrival Heights, dried using magnesium percholate and analysed to determine the mixing ratio of CO2 and the isotopic ratio of 13C/12C. Sample collection is aimed at the clean sector of the sky from the West through North to East, throughout the year. Measurements are traceable to World Meteorological Organisation CO2 scales.