DYAMOND Global Carbon Dioxide 

This global map shows concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) as the gas moved through Earth’s atmosphere from January-March 2020, driven by wind patterns and atmospheric circulation. CO₂ emissions are visible rising from power plants, fires, and cities, spreading across continents and oceans. 

The map appears to be pulsing for two reasons: First, fires have a clear day-night cycle, typically flaring up during the day and dying down at night. Second, as trees and plants photosynthesize, CO₂ can be seen being absorbed and released. Earth’s land and oceans absorb about 50% of CO₂; these are natural carbon sinks. Plants take up CO₂ during the day as they photosynthesize and then release it at night through respiration. Notice that much of the pulsing occurred in regions with mid- or high-latitude forests. Data were taken during the Southern Hemisphere summer, where more pulsing occurs in the tropics and South America during the active growing season. 

The map was created using the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) model. GEOS pulls in billions of data points from ground observations and satellite instruments, such as the Terra satellite’s MODIS and the Suomi-NPP satellite’s VIIRS instruments. 


For more information: 
svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/5196/ 

This page is public information, but is intended only to be used by hyperwall presenters. Please do not link to this page from public websites.