Carbon dioxide plays a significant role in trapping heat in Earth's atmosphere. The gas is released from human activities like burning fossil fuels, and the concentration of carbon dioxide moves and changes through the seasons. Using observations from NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO-2) satellite, scientists developed a model of the behavior of carbon in the atmosphere from September 1, 2014 to August 31, 2015. Scientists can use models like this one to better understand and predict where concentrations of carbon dioxide could be especially high or low, based on activity on the ground.
Most NASA images are in the public domain and free to use. Credit NASA as the source. Check NASA's media usage guidelines for details. Images featuring identifiable individuals may require additional permissions.
NASA ID
GSFC_20161213_Carbon_m12445_VolumetricCO2
Date Created
December 13, 2016
Center
GSFC
Media Type
video
Location
Goddard Space Flight Center
Download this video in multiple resolutions. All NASA media are free for public use.
Captions
Subtitles
Carbon Dioxide in Earth Mid-Troposphere, April 2013 Monthly Average
May 22, 2013
Concentration of Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide from Earth Mid-Troposphere, 2002 to 2013
May 22, 2013
Zonally Averaged Carbon Dioxide Concentration from Earth Mid-Troposphere at Different Latitudes, 2002 to 2013
May 22, 2013
AIRS Carbon Dioxide with Mauna Loa Carbon Dioxide Overlaid
Nov 3, 2008