An official website of the United States government
blue sky with white clouds

World’s premier ground-based observations facility advancing atmospheric research

FLASK

Flask Samplers for Carbon Cycle Gases and Isotopes

Baseline Instrument

The carbon flask collection system (FLASK) samples atmospheric carbon dioxide and other trace gases. It comprises a suitcase-mounted array of flasks, or Programmable Flask Package (PFP), and a compressor and power module, or Programmable Compressor Package (PCP), to do programmable time-interval or event-based sampling. The FLASK system is mounted on a Cessna 206 aircraft to take samples at 12 heights or positions.

A pilot display indicates sampling altitudes. At a given height, the pilot activates the sampler and atmospheric air fills the corresponding flask. Sampled PFPs are analyzed in the lab to determine gas concentrations and isotope ratios.

  • Sebastien Biraud
    Lead Mentor Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

References

View all references

Locations

ARM Logo

Follow Us:

Keep up with the Atmospheric Observer

Updates on ARM news, events, and opportunities delivered to your inbox

Subscribe Now

ARM User Profile

ARM welcomes users from all institutions and nations. A free ARM user account is needed to access ARM data.

Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) | Reviewed October 2024