Carbon monoxide measurements fromm 76° N to 59° S and over the South Tasman Sea

In November and December of 1995, carbon monoxide (CO) measurements were made in a Pacific transect and over the South Tasman Sea as part of the First Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACE 1) program. Airborne CO measurements were made from 76 degrees N to 59 degrees S. A clear latitudinal gradient in CO concentrations was measured, with the southern hemisphere average about 80 parts per billion by volume (ppbv), and increasing to 120-130 ppbv at the most northern latitudes. Plumes of CO with a 30-40 ppbv concentration increase over the general background concentrations could be seen at several latitudes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration R/V Discoverer made CO measurements over the South Tasman Sea from November 15 to December 9 1995. A systematic decrease of 0.31 ppbv/d CO was observed. Vertical profile measurements of CO from near the ocean surface to 2500 m altitude during the Lagrangian B intensive of ACE 1 suggested the mixing of stratospheric air with reduced CO concentrations.