Analysis of spatiotemporal patterns of atmospheric CO 2 concentration in the Yellow River Basin over the past decade based on time-series remote sensing data

Understanding the spatial and temporal variations of CO 2 column concentration (CO 2 -CCs) is crucial for tackling climate change and promoting sustainable human development. This study provides an in-depth analysis of CO 2 dynamics in the Yellow River Basin, an area significantly affected by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Using data from the Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2 (OCO-2) and the Fourier transformation spectrometer (FTS) of the GOSAT satellite remote sensing sensors, supplemented with ground station data from the Waliguan station, we scrutinized the CO 2 levels in the region from 2013 to 2022. The regional CO 2 -CC displayed a 12-month cyclical variation and a continuous upward trend, escalating by approximately 4.26% over the 10-year period. Spatiotemporal differences were evident in the monthly variation of CO 2 -CC, with peak and minimum values occurring in May and August respectively. Geographically, the highest CO 2 -CC was found in the central part of the basin, while the lowest was in the northern part of Inner Mongolia. This study underscores the increased significance of the region’s CO 2 -CC, which showed an increase from 17.0 ppm at the start of the period to 21.0 ppm by the end, representing an overall growth of between 4.35 and 5.25%. The findings highlight the urgency of targeted measures to mitigate CO 2 emissions and adapt to their consequences in the Yellow River Basin, contributing to the global efforts against climate change and towards sustainable development.