CO2 background concentration in the atmosphere over the Chinese mainland

Based on the long-term monitoring data on CO₂ concentration, variation trend and characteristics of CO₂ background concentration in the atmosphere over the Chinese mainland are analyzed. Results show that the increasing trend of CO₂ background concentration in the atmosphere over the Chinese mainland has appeared during the period of 1991–2000. The average annual CO₂ growth increment is 1.59 μL/L, and the average annual CO₂ growth rate is 0.44%. Distinct seasonal variations of CO₂ background concentration are observed, and the averaged amplitude of CO₂ seasonal variations is 10.35 μL/L. Regional variation characteristics of CO₂ background concentration in the atmosphere and possible impact of human activities on these variations over the Chinese mainland are discussed as well.