Latitudinal distribution of CO2 and CH4 on the route of the Chinese Arctic Research Expedition 2003

During the 2nd Chinese Arctic Research Expedition, 20 pair of atmospheric samples were collected on the cruising route from Shanghai to Arctic Ocean using NOAA/ESRL flask sampling unit. Mean concentration of CO2 and CH4 were analyzed in different latitude zone from 30°N to 80°N and the distribution characteristics were studied. Mean concentration of CO2 decrease toward high latitude which indicates the uptake effect of CO2 by ocean. Coinciding with the CH4 global distribution character, mean CH4 concentration increase from 45°N to the North Pole region. Regional or local air mass may influence the greenhouse gas concentrations near seashore in the middle latitude （30°N-45°N）.