Methane, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide concentrations measured in the atmospheric surface layer over continental Russia in the TROICA experiments

The principal statistical regularities typical of the behaviors of the CH₄, CO, and CO₂ concentrations in the atmospheric surface layer over the continental Russian territory are revealed from the measurements performed in 1997–2004 along the Trans-Siberian Railroad from Moscow to Khabarovsk with a mobile laboratory. The data obtained under the conditions of the atmosphere free of anthropogenic pollutants are analyzed. For near-background conditions, the typical continental methane, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide concentrations and characteristic features of their large-scale spatial distributions and daily variations, including those caused by surface inversions, are determined. Variations in the concentrations of these trace gases over industrial regions are analyzed. Our results are compared to the data obtained at background stations of the world network of atmospheric monitoring and to the data of a numerical simulation.     

Gaseous admixtures in the atmosphere over Moscow during the 2010 summer

In the summer of 2010, the Moscow megacity during two months was within the zone of action of a blocking anticyclone. The accumulation of pollutants in a closed air mass sharply changed the surface air quality. At the end of July-the first half of August, the extreme situation became even more complicated, because the air from regions of turf and grass fires came into Moscow. According to measurement data of the Moscow IAP RAS station, the maximal hourly mean concentrations of chemically active gases NO, NO₂, CO, O₃, and SO₂ were 175.9, 217.4, 15.8, 134.2, and 15.2 ppb, respectively. For NO₂ and CO, these values are largest over the entire decadal period of observations at the station and many times exceed the MPC level (see table). The concentrations of greenhouse gases CO₂, CH₄, and nonmethane hydrocarbons also sharply increased. Analysis of the variability of gas contents in the surface air and in the atmospheric boundary layer showed a close relation between extreme changes in the atmospheric composition and its vertical stratification.     

Variability of trace gases in the atmospheric surface layer from observations in the city of Moscow

The results of continuous minute measurements of the surface concentrations of ozone, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide during the 2002–2004 period at the environmental station of the Oboukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences (IAP), and the Faculty of Geography, Moscow State University (MSU), are discussed. It is shown that the conditions of Moscow’s southwestern region remote from large local pollution sources reflect the general regularities of the variability of trace gases in an urban atmosphere. This is manifested in the mean annual value of the ratio NO/NO₂ (a little less than 1), decreased daylight values of O₃, increased values of the rest of the trace gases as compared to the background region, and the presence of a secondary nocturnal maximum in the diurnal cycle of O₃. The features of the annual and diurnal cycles of the concentrations of the substances under analysis are discussed. In the diurnal cycle of the primary products of combustion (NO and CO), an excess of the morning maximum (over the evening one) is observed during both warm and transition periods and higher values of the night maximum (as compared to the daylight one) are noted for summer. The temperature stratification properties determined from the MSU long-term acoustic sounding data serve as a possible cause for both of the effects revealed. The annual cycle of the concentration of surface ozone is characterized by the highest values for spring and summer. The annual cycles of NO, NO₂, CO, and SO₂ do not demonstrate any obvious seasonal regularities. A significant seasonal variation of the ratio NO/NO₂, which is associated with the oxidizing properties of the urban atmosphere, is revealed. The record high concentrations of trace gases in the atmosphere over Moscow are given, and the meteorological conditions for their accumulation are discussed.     

Biogeochemical ocean-atmosphere transfers in the Arabian Sea

Transfers of some important biogenic atmospheric constituents, carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), molecular nitrogen (N₂), nitrous oxide (N₂O), nitrate , ammonia (NH₃), methylamines (MAs) and dimethylsulphide (DMS), across the air–sea interface are investigated using published data generated mostly during the Arabian Sea Process Study (1992–1997) of the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS). The most important contribution of the region to biogeochemical fluxes is through the production of N₂ and N₂O facilitated by an acute, mid-water deficiency of dissolved oxygen (O₂); emissions of these gases to the atmosphere from the Arabian Sea are globally significant. For the other constituents, especially CO₂, even though the surface concentrations and atmospheric fluxes exhibit extremely large variations both in space and time, arising from the unique physical forcing and associated biogeochemical environment, the overall significance in terms of their global fluxes is not much because of the relatively small area of the Arabian Sea. Distribution and air–sea exchanges of some of these constituents are likely to be greatly influenced by alterations of the subsurface O₂ field forced by human-induced eutrophication and/or modifications to the regional hydrography.     

海洋中生源活性气体的来源与迁移转化

海洋生源活性气体主要包括二甲基硫（DMS）、甲烷（CH₄）、氧化亚氮（N₂O）、一氧化碳（CO）、挥发性卤代烃（VHCs）和非甲烷烃（NMHCs）等。它们通过海-气交换进入大气,不仅在全球碳、氮和硫循环中发挥关键作用,而且会直接或间接地对环境和气候变化产生重要影响。海洋释放的活性气体一类属于温室效应气体（CH₄、N₂O、VHCs和CO等）,另一类会在大气中发生化学反应,控制着大气氧化平衡和臭氧浓度（VHCs和NMHCs）。而DMS属于负温室效应气体,其在大气中被快速氧化形成硫酸盐气溶胶,进而对云的形成和辐射强迫产生重要影响。本文综述了国内外海洋生源活性气体的研究现状,着重介绍了DMS、CH₄和N₂O的来源、迁移转化、海-气通量及其影响机制,并指明了该领域存在的科学问题及今后的研究方向。     

Stable carbon isotopic ratios of CH4-CO2-bearing fluid inclusions in fracture-fill mineralization from the Lower Saxony Basin (Germany) - A tool for tracing gas sources and maturity

The stable carbon isotopic ratios (δ¹³C) of methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) of gas-rich fluid inclusions hosted in fracture-fill mineralization from the southern part of the Lower Saxony Basin, Germany have been measured online using a crushing device interfaced to an isotopic ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS). The data reveal that CH₄ trapped in inclusions seems to be derived from different source rocks with different organic matter types. The δ¹³C values of CH₄ in inclusions in quartz hosted by Carboniferous rocks range between −25 and −19‰, suggesting high-maturity coals as the source of methane. Methane in fluid inclusions in minerals hosted by Mesozoic strata has more negative carbon isotope ratios (−45 to −31‰) and appears to represent primary cracking products from type II kerogens, i.e., marine shales. There is a positive correlation between increasing homogenization temperatures of aqueous fluid inclusions and less negative δ¹³C(CH₄) values of in co-genetic gas inclusions probably indicating different mtaturity of the potential source rocks at the time the fluids were released. The CO₂ isotopic composition of CH₄-CO₂-bearing inclusions shows slight negative or even positive δ¹³C values indicating an inorganic source (e.g., water-rock interaction and dissolution of detrital, marine calcite) for CO₂ in inclusions. We conclude that the δ¹³C isotopic ratios of CH₄-CO₂-bearing fluid inclusions can be used to trace migration pathways, sources of gases, and alteration processes. Furthermore, the δ¹³C values of methane can be used to estimate the maturity of the rocks from which it was sourced. Results presented here are further supported by organic geochemical analysis of surface bitumens which coexist with the gas inclusion-rich fracture-fill mineralization and confirm the isotopic interpretations with respect to fluid source, type and maturity.     

Variations in the total column amounts of carbon monoxide and methane in the Antarctic atmosphere

The results of measuring the total contents of carbon monoxide and methane via the method of solar-absorption spectroscopy are presented. The measurements were performed at the Molodezhnaya Station in 1977–1978, at the Mirny Observatory from 1982 to 1992, and at the Novolazarevskaya Station from 2003 to 2006. The character of seasonal variations in the contents of these gases in the Antarctic atmosphere is described and compared to the intra-annual variation of their surface concentrations measured at the Syowa Station (Japan). Synchronous intra-annual variations in the contents of carbon monoxide in the atmospheric column and in its surface concentrations are observed, while the spring maximum content of methane is observed three months after the maximum of its surface concentration. Synchronous seasonal variations in the total content of methane and ozone are observed, which makes it possible to suggest that the Antarctic circumpolar vortex has a significant influence on the characteristics of the vertical distribution of methane during Antarctic spring. Quantitative estimates of the parameters of multiyear variations in the contents of CO and CH₄ are given. The content of methane was increasing (although with different rates) during the entire observation period 1977–2006. The content of CO was observed to increase until 1992 and to decrease during 2003–2006.     

Interaction of the methane cycle and processes in wetland ecosystems in a climate model of intermediate complexity

The climate model of the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IAP RAS CM) has been supplemented with a module of soil thermal physics and the methane cycle, which takes into account the response of methane emissions from wetland ecosystems to climate changes. Methane emissions are allowed only from unfrozen top layers of the soil, with an additional constraint in the depth of the simulated layer. All wetland ecosystems are assumed to be water-saturated. The molar amount of the methane oxidized in the atmosphere is added to the simulated atmospheric concentration of CO₂. A control preindustrial experiment and a series of numerical experiments for the 17th–21st centuries were conducted with the model forced by greenhouse gases and tropospheric sulfate aerosols. It is shown that the IAP RAS CM generally reproduces preindustrial and current characteristics of both seasonal thawing/freezing of the soil and the methane cycle. During global warming in the 21st century, the permafrost area is reduced by four million square kilometers. By the end of the 21st century, methane emissions from wetland ecosystems amount to 130–140 Mt CH₄/year for the preindustrial and current period increase to 170–200 MtCH₄/year. In the aggressive anthropogenic forcing scenario A2, the atmospheric methane concentration grows steadily to ≈3900 ppb. In more moderate scenarios A1B and B1, the methane concentration increases until the mid-21st century, reaching ≈2100–2400 ppb, and then decreases. Methane oxidation in air results in a slight additional growth of the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide. Allowance for the interaction between processes in wetland ecosystems and the methane cycle in the IAP RAS CM leads to an additional atmospheric methane increase of 10–20% depending on the anthropogenic forcing scenario and the time. The causes of this additional increase are the temperature dependence of integral methane production and the longer duration of a warm period in the soil. However, the resulting enhancement of the instantaneous greenhouse radiative forcing of atmospheric methane and an increase in the mean surface air temperature are small (globally < 0.1 W/m² and 0.05 K, respectively).     

Background component of methane concentration in surface air (Obninsk monitoring station)

We present measurement data from February 1998 to January 2014 obtained by Fourier spectroscopy for bulk methane concentrations in surface air samples. We have excluded the results of individual measurements of high methane concentrations arising at a temperature inversion and during fires to separate the monthly mean concentrations into the regional natural background concentration of methane and its anthropogenic addition. A seasonal concentration has been separated from the background concentration. Spectral analysis reveals a large number of composite oscillations of variations in the background methane concentra- tion with periods of 3 to 126 months. A model with the use of empirical parameters of these oscillations describes the temporal changes in the methane concentration with an error of less than 3%. The anthropogenic addition of CH₄ in the atmosphere is largely of a random character. Over 16 years of observations, its increase was ~23.7 ppb, which has resulted in an increase in the total CH₄ concentration by the same amount.     

Hydrocarbons in an urban atmosphere

Statistical characteristics of variations in surface-layer concentrations of methane, non-methane and aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and formaldehyde are compared with the characteristics of variations in the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air basin of Moscow. Differences in the annual cycle of concentrations of methane, carbon dioxide, non-methane hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide are determined. It is found that the maximum concentration of carbon monoxide at most sites with an elevated surface-air pollution level and over the city as a whole tends to occur in the summer season. The seasonal variability of the diurnal mean cycle of methane, carbon dioxide, and non-methane and aromatic hydrocarbons is analyzed.     

苏北滨海湿地互花米草潮滩CO2,CH4和N2O通量的日变化规律

The invasions of the alien species such as Spartina alterniflora along the northern Jiangsu coastlines have posed a threat to biodiversity and the ecosystem function.Yet,limited attention has been given to their potential influence on greenhouse gas(GHG) emissions,including the diurnal variations of GHG fluxes that are fundamental in estimating the carbon and nitrogen budget.In this study,we examined the diurnal variation in fluxes of carbon dioxide(CO_2),methane(CH_4),and nitrous oxide(N2O) from a S.alterniflora intertidal flat in June,October,and December of 2013 and April of 2014 representing the summer,autumn,winter,and spring seasons,respectively.We found that the average CH_4 fluxes on the diurnal scale were positive during the growing season while negative otherwise.The tidal flat of S.alterniflora acted as a source of CH_4 in summer(June) and a combination of source and sink in other seasons.We observed higher diurnal variations in the CO_2 and N_2O fluxes during the growing season(1 536.5 mg CO_2 m~(–2) h~(–1) and 25.6 μg N_2O m~(–2) h~(–1)) compared with those measured in the non-growing season(379.1 mg CO_2 m~(–2) h~(–1) and 16.5 μg N_2O m~(–2) h~(–1)).The mean fluxes of CH_4 were higher at night than that in the daytime during all the seasons but October.The diurnal variation in the fluxes of CO_2 in June and N_2O in December fluctuated more than that in October and April.However,two peak curves in October and April were observed for the diurnal changes in CO_2 and N_2O fluxes(prominent peaks were found in the morning of October and in the afternoon of April,respectively).The highest diurnal variation in the N_2O fluxes took place at 15:00(86.4 μg N_2O m~(–2) h~(–1)) in June with an unimodal distribution.Water logging in October increased the emission of CO_2(especially at nighttime),yet decreased N_2O and CH_4 emissions to a different degree on the daily scale because of the restrained diffusion rates of the gases.The seasonal and diurnal variations of CH_4 and CO_2 fluxes did not correlate to the air and soil temperatures,whereas the seasonal and diurnal variation of the fluxes of N_2O in June exhibited a significant correlation with air temperature.When N_2O and CH_4 fluxes were converted to CO_2-e equivalents,the emissions of N_2O had a remarkable potential to impact the global warming.The mean daily flux(MF) and total daily flux(TDF) were higher in the growing season,nevertheless,the MF and TDF of CO_2 were higher in October and those of CH_4 and N_2O were higher in June.In spite of the difference in the optimal sampling times throughout the observation period,our results obtained have implications for sampling and scaling strategies in estimating the GHG fluxes in coastal saline wetlands.     

西沙大气二氧化碳浓度变化特征研究

CO2是引起全球气候变暖的最重要温室气体。大气中过量CO2被海水吸收后将改变海水中碳酸盐体系的组成,造成海水酸化,危害海洋生态环境。本文采用局部近似回归法对2013年12月—2014年11月期间西沙海洋大气CO2浓度连续监测数据进行筛分,得到西沙大气CO2区域本底浓度。结果表明,西沙大气CO2区域浓度具有明显的日变化和季节变化特征。4个季节西沙大气CO2区域本底浓度日变化均表现为白天低、夜晚高,最高值405.39×10-6(体积比),最低值399.12×10-6(体积比)。西沙大气CO2区域本底浓度季节变化特征表现为春季和冬季高,夏季和秋季低。CO2月平均浓度最高值出现在2013年12月,为406.22×10-6(体积比),最低值出现在2014年9月,为398.68×10-6(体积比)。西沙大气CO2区域本底浓度日变化主要受本区域日照和温度控制。季节变化主要控制因素是南海季风和大气环流,南海尤其是北部海域初级生产力变化和海洋对大气CO2的源/汇调节作用。     

南海北部莺歌海岭头岬近岸烃类渗漏喷口分布及气体地球化学

Natural hydrocarbon seeps in a marine environment are one of the important contributors to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,including methane,which is significant to the global carbon cycling and climate change.Four hydrocarbon seep areas,the Lingtou Promontory,the Yinggehai Rivulet mouth,the Yazhou Bay and the Nanshan Promontory,occurring in the Yinggehai Basin delineate a near-shore gas bubble zone.The gas composition and geochemistry of venting bubbles and the spatial distribution of hydrocarbon seeps are surveyed on the near-shore Lingtou Promontory.The gas composition of the venting bubbles is mainly composed of CO_2,CH_4,N_2 and O_2,with minor amounts of non-methane hydrocarbons.The difference in the bubbles' composition is a possible consequence of gas exchange during bubble ascent.The seepage gases from the seafloor are characterized by a high CO_2 content(67.35%) and relatively positive δ~(13)C_(V_PDB) values(-0.49×10~(-3)-0.86×10~(-3)),indicating that the CO_2 is of inorganic origin.The relatively low CH_4 content(23%) and their negative δ~(13)C_(V-PDB) values(-34.43×10~(-3)--37.53×10~(-3)) and high ratios of C_1 content to C_(1-5) one(0.98-0.99)as well point to thermogenic gases.The hydrocarbon seeps on the 3.5 Hz sub-bottom profile display a linear arrangement and are sub-parallel to the No.1 fault,suggesting that the hydrocarbon seeps may be associated with fracture activity or weak zones and that the seepage gases migrate laterally from the central depression of the Yinggehai Basin.     

Dissolved gases of the near-bottom water layer in the area of Epi island,Vanuatu

The distribution of dissolved gases in the near-bottom water layer over the submarine volcanoes of the Epi caldera in the New Hebrides off northeastern Australia is widespread. Maximum contents of methane and carbon dioxide in the near-bottom layer were as high as 440 nl/liter and 1.1 ml/liter, respectively. Composition and anomalous concentrations of hydrocarbon gases (C₁–C₅) suggest a thermogenic source and an inflow from surrounding sediment. Accumulation of carbon dioxide is connected with fumarolic activity of the Epi-b Volcano.     

Effects of Direct Ocean CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Injection on Deep-Sea Meiofauna

Purposeful deep-sea carbon dioxide sequestration by direct injection of liquid CO₂ into the deep waters of the ocean has the potential to mitigate the rapid rise in atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases. One issue of concern for this carbon sequestration option is the impact of changes in seawater chemistry caused by CO₂ injection on deep-sea ecosystems. The effects of deep-sea carbon dioxide injection on infaunal deep-sea organisms were evaluated during a field experiment in 3600 m depth off California, in which liquid CO₂ was released on the seafloor. Exposure to the dissolution plume emanating from the liquid CO₂ resulted in high rates of mortality for flagellates, amoebae, and nematodes inhabiting sediments in close proximity to sites of CO₂ release. Results from this study indicate that large changes in seawater chemistry (i.e. pH reductions of ∼0.5–1.0 pH units) near CO₂ release sites will cause high mortality rates for nearby infaunal deep-sea communities. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

天然气水合物赋存区甲烷渗漏活动的地球化学响应特征

综述了天然气水合物赋存区甲烷渗漏活动的地球化学响应指标的研究进展,分析了应用单一指标识别甲烷渗漏活动各自所存在的问题,包括浅表层沉积物孔隙水中CH_4、SO_4~(2–)、Cl~–等离子浓度随深度的变化;浅层沉积物全岩W_(TOC)(W表示质量分数,TOC表示总有机碳)和W_(TS)(TS表示总硫)之间的相关性及比值;自生碳酸盐岩δ~(13)C和δ~(18)O;自生矿物重晶石、黄铁矿、自生石膏的δ~(34)S;有孔虫壳体和生物标志化合物的δ~(13)C等。结果表明孔隙水中的CH_4、SO4_~(2–)浓度及溶解无机碳的碳同位素组成可以用来识别目前正在发生的甲烷渗漏活动;而沉积物中的WTS、自生矿物的δ~(34)S、钡含量及其异常峰值和生物标志化合物的δ~(13)C等指标的联合使用可以更真实准确地反映地质历史时期天然气水合物赋存区的甲烷渗漏活动。因此,在实际研究过程中,可将孔隙水和沉积物两种介质的多种指标相结合。随着非传统稳定同位素(Fe、Ca、Mg等)和沉积物氧化还原敏感元素(Mo、V、U等)等研究的发展,甲烷渗漏活动地球化学响应指标的研究也将得到拓展,而多种地球化学指标的联合使用将为天然气水合物勘探及其形成分解过程识别研究提供重要的科学依据。     

Carbon cycling within the upper methanogenic zone of continental rise sediments; An example from the methane-rich sediments overlying the Blake Ridge gas hydrate deposits

Data from piston cores collected from Carolina Rise and Blake Ridge, and from many DSDP/ODP sites indicate that extreme ¹³C-depletion of methane and ΣCO₂ occurs within the uppermost methanogenic zone of continental rise sediments. We infer that ¹³C-depleted methane is generated near the top of the methanogenic zone when carbon of ¹³C-depleted ΣCO₂, produced by microbially-mediated anaerobic methane oxidation, is recycled back to methane through CO₂ reduction. Interstitial water and gas samples were collected in 27 piston cores, 16 of which penetrated through the sulfate reduction zone into methane-bearing sediments of the Carolina Rise and Blake Ridge. Isotopic measurements (δ¹³C_CH4, δ¹³C_CO2, δD_CH4, and δD_H2O) indicate that this methane is microbial in origin, produced by microbially-mediated CO₂ reduction. Methane samples form two distinct isotopic pools. (1) Methane from a seafloor seep site shows a mean δ¹³C_CH4 value of − 69 ± 2%., mirroring values found at ≥ 160 mbsf from a nearby DSDP site. (2) Twenty, areally-separated sites (sample depth, 10 to 25 mbsf) have δ¹³C_CH4 values ranging from −85 to −103%., and δ¹³C_CO2 as negative as −48%.. The very low δ¹³C values from the methane and CO₂ pools highlight the importance of carbon cycling within continental rise sediments at and near the sulfate-methane boundary.     

淡水和海水环境下沉积物搬运过程碳释放通量的模拟研究

基于室内物理模拟实验, 对长江沉积物进行淡水和海水环境下沉积物搬运过程碳释放通量实验模拟。结果表明, 模拟实验初期, 淡水和海水均为大气CO₂的源, 但淡水CO₂释放通量略高于海水;淡水、海水两种环境下, CH₄释放通量均较小, 为弱释放-弱吸收过程。对两种环境下碳通量对比研究发现,Eh 值可能是造成淡水和海水环境下CO₂通量差别的主要原因, 而pH 值可能对CO₂通量差别的影响较小。两种环境下温室气体通量差别的具体原因仍需进一步研究。通过模拟对比试验, 旨在为系统地认识长江流域水库的温室效应与减排提供科学依据, 为我国清洁水电能源发展提供理论参考。     

Carbon dioxide content in the atmospheric thickness over central Eurasia (Issyk Kul Monitoring Station)

The refined data obtained from the spectroscopic measurements of carbon dioxide in the column of the continental atmosphere over the Issyk Kul Monitoring Station during the period 1980–2006 and the results of their comparison with the data obtained from the measurements of carbon dioxide in air samples and with the mean zonal empirical model of the Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics Laboratory (CMDL) are given. Seasonal variations and a long-term trend of carbon dioxide concentration in the atmospheric thickness over a 25-year period of measurements are analyzed. The monthly mean concentration of CO₂ is increased by ～40.5 ppm, and the linear-trend index is 1.62 ppm per year. The results of the aircraft measurements of CO₂ concentration in air samples are, on the average, in agreement with the data obtained from the spectroscopic measurements of carbon dioxide concentration in the atmospheric column. The CO₂ concentration in the surface air varies from day to day, and only its minimum values coincide with the CO₂ concentration in the atmospheric thickness. The results of measurements of CO₂ concentration in the atmospheric thickness and in the atmospheric surface layer over the KZD and KZM stations nearest to each other are, on the whole, in disagreement; moreover, the KZD and KZM data are inconsistent. The CO₂ concentration in the atmospheric thickness is, on the average, 1–2% higher than that obtained with the CMDL model for 42.6° N latitude. The coefficient of correlation between the measurement results and model data is high (r= 0.95).     

Structure of time variations in carbon dioxide in the atmospheric thickness over central Eurasia (Issyk Kul Monitoring Station)

The results are presented of statistical analysis of the data obtained from the 1980–2006 systematic measurements of the volume concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmospheric thickness over central Eurasia. The trends of both monthly and yearly means of CO₂ concentration are determined. During these 26 years, the yearly mean concentration increased by ～42 ppm at a mean rate of (1.56 ± 0.18) ppm per year and reached ～382.7 ppm. General statistical characteristics are found. The distribution function of the monthly mean concentrations of CO₂ is characterized by the presence of a second maximum and a bias of the principal mode toward large values, and the mean (over the measurement time) monthly concentration and the median almost coincide. The distribution function of the yearly mean concentrations of CO₂ is close to a normal distribution, and the mean (over the measurement time) yearly concentration, the median, and the mode also coincide. The trends of short-and long-period variations in the carbon dioxide concentration and their possible relation to a number of geophysical phenomena are revealed. Spectral analysis of the measuring data on CO₂ revealed oscillations with periods of 4, 6, 12, 15, 21, 29, 40, 53, 84, and 183 months. A statistical model with the parameters of these oscillations describes the experimental monthly mean concentrations of carbon dioxide with an rms deviation of 2.3 ppm (±0.6% of the mean over the entire period 361.9 ppm) and the yearly mean concentrations with an rms deviation of 0.9 ppm (～±0.3%).