Regional Suess Effect in the Upper Silesia Urban Area

Abstract

The study of a regional Suess effect is based on three sets of samples of atmospheric CO2: 1) a series of samples collected at the same site in Gliwice from 1980 to 1984, 2) samples collected simultaneously at different sites within the limits of an urban and industrial region of Upper Silesia, and 3) samples collected simultaneously outside this region along an eastern direction. Results of 14C concentration measurements show systematic decrease of Δ14C with the rate close to the corresponding value for clean air. Depletion of 14C concentration was found to be virtually the same in the whole urban area. Analysis of regional synoptic data reveals correlation of individual Δ14C values with wind direction, frequency of calm, and vertical stability of the atmosphere.