The Total Carbon Column Observing Network


The TCCON network is a network of ground-based Fourier Transform Spectrometers, recording direct solar spectra in the near-infrared spectral region. Gases with significant absorptions in the near-infrared spectral region include the important greenhouse gases: CO2, CH4, N2O, CO, H2O, and HDO. By recording solar spectra at high resolution, we will be able to determine column concentrations and profile information for these gases. The TCCON network will be used for carbon cycle studies and validation of spaceborne column measurements of greenhouse gases.

Oxygen also has strong absorptions in the near-infrared spectral region. The TCCON network sites will each record accurate pressure measurements and compare these to their column O2 retrievals, as a measurement verification.

Current information can be found at the TCCON website.


The Orbiting Carbon Observatory

OCO Satellite

The Orbiting Carbon Observatory is a NASA satellite that was intended to measure column concentrations of carbon dioxide. Column carbon dioxide measurements can be used to quantify global sources and sinks. The FTS laboratory in Wisconsin and the other TCCON FTS laboratories are useful for validating satellite measurements of CO2.