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. 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. 

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

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