Background CH 4 concentration and seasonal variations measured at Zhongshan Station (69 ° 22'2''S, 76 ° 21'49''E, 18.5 m) in Antarctica from 2008 through 2013 are presented and discussed. From 2008-2013 CH 4 was measured in weekly flask samples and started on line measurement by Picarro CO 2 /CH 4 /H 2 O analyzer from March, 2010-2013. These CH 4 measurements show the expected growth period of CH 4 concentration during February (Antarctic spring) with a peak in September (fall). Irrespective of wind direction, CH 4 concentrations distribute evenly after the removal of polluted air from station operations, accounting for 1% of the data. The mean daily cycle of CH 4 concentration in all four seasons is small. The monthly mean CH 4 concentration at Zhongshan station is similar to those at other stations in Antarctica showing that CH 4 observed in Antarctica is fully mixed in the atmosphere as it is transported from the northern through the southern hemisphere. The annual CH 4 increase in recent years at Zhongshan station is 4.8 ppb · yr - 1 .
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