The Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station was established in 1976 to monitor and study global atmospheric composition. It measures:
- greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. Measurements have shown more than a 15% increase in carbon dioxide since first taken in 1976
- stratospheric ozone depleting chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
- concentrations of natural and anthropogenic aerosol particulates, reactive gases, radon and solar radiation
- wind speed and direction, rainfall, temperature, humidity and air pressure
- solar radiation, including harmful UV-B radiation.
Publications
The Station's activities, data and research results are reported each year in the publication Baseline. Some data is also available online:
- World Data Centre for Greenhouse Gases
- Key greenhouse and ozone depleting gases, CSIRO
- Cape Grim Greenhouse Gas Data
Management and responsibilities
The Station's scientific research is jointly managed by the Bureau of Meteorology and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) - Marine and Atmospheric Research. Other Australian and international research institutions contribute.
The Bureau funds and manages the station and liaises with the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme.
Station management, lead scientists and other specialists give advice on the overall program. Lead scientists manage individual scientific programs.
