Radiocarbon and tracer for fossil CO2 (Hammer - Group)
The ‘Radiocarbon and Tracers for Fossil CO2’ (¹⁴C-Trace) group at the IUP investigates the biogeochemical cycles of long-lived greenhouse gases such as CO2, CH4, and N2O on urban, regional, and continental scales, with a particular focus on the separation of fossil and non-fossil CO₂ sources.
Our working group is part of the European research infrastructure ICOS (Integrated Carbon Observation System). As the central radiocarbon laboratory (CRL) of ICOS, we record the long-term trends of radiocarbon content in atmospheric CO₂ across Europe. This data forms the basis for the independent validation of European decarbonisation measures and is available to the general public without restriction. In this way, we support research, politics and the public in evaluating the implementation of fossil CO₂ emission reductions.
In addition to ¹⁴C measurements, we are developing alternative, observation-based approaches for separating atmospheric CO₂ concentrations into fossil and non-fossil components. To this end, we use concentration measurements of the proxies CO and NOx as well as variations in the O₂/N₂ ratio on a continental and urban scale. Using inverse atmospheric transport models, we translate the measured concentrations into politically relevant CO₂ emission data.
