The main activities of the Group for Climate Gases are centered around the observations of anthropogenic trace gases in the atmosphere. Data is exploited for detection of sources and sinks of these gases as well as trends and their influence on atmospheric chemistry.

AGAGE / SOGE / HALCLIM: Continuous measurements of halogenated greenhouse gases at the high Alpine site of Jungfraujoch for identification of trends and regional European emissions.

NABEL CH₄ / N₂O / SF₆ / CO: Continuous measurements of methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) and carbon monoxide (CO) as non-CO₂ greenhouse gases at the high Alpine site of Jungfraujoch for identification of trends and regional European emissions.

 

 

NABEL_VOCs: Continuous measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at the NABEL sites of Zürich (urban), Dübendorf (suburban), Rigi (rural) and Jungfraujoch (high Alpine, background).

 

Molecular hydrogen (H₂) is one of the most abundant trace gases in the atmosphere with a globally averaged mixing ratio of approximately 530 ppb. However, limited attention has been paid to the sources and sinks as well as the role that H₂ plays in atmospheric chemistry. Nevertheless, H₂ has recently become a trace gas of wider scientific interest mostly due to the ongoing discussion on switching our fossil-fuel based economy to a hydrogen-based economy.