Because the NOAA/CMDL flask CO₂ database documents the global distribution of atmospheric CO₂ over the past several decades ( Fig. 2 ), it has been and can be used for many carbon cycle and global climate change-related studies. Long-term, precise measurements from a network of remote sampling sites such as this one are essential for researchers and modelers trying to elucidate the global carbon-cycle budget. This database, coupled with CMDL's other trace gas and trace gas-related (e.g., atmospheric carbon isotopes) measurements, has made an enormous contribution toward the present day understanding of the sources and sinks of the global carbon-cycle budget.

When using the CO₂ flask data in a publication or presentation, you should acknowledge the NOAA/CMDL Carbon Cycle Group. The principal investigators would appreciate being notified of any studies involving the data and would also like to receive preprints of publications to ensure that the quality and limitations of the NOAA/CMDL data are accurately represented. Feedback from users may also help to improve the quality of the data and the location of the sampling sites. Comments regarding the readme files and the data files are encouraged. The principal investigators may be reached at the following electronic mail addresses:

tconway@cmdl.noaa.gov or ptans@cmdl.noaa.gov

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