DISTRIBUTION OF METHANE AND CARBON MONOXIDE BETWEEN ATMOSPHERE AND NATURAL WATERS

Methane and carbon monoxide concentrations in the atmosphere and in natural waters were measured during an oceanographic cruise between Washington, D. C. and Puerto Rico. The concentration of methane was highest in the upper Potomac River and decreased as the ocean was approached. Methane was at equilibrium between the atmosphere and the open ocean, where its average concentration in the atmosphere was 1.24 ± 0.03 p.p.m. Conversely, carbon monoxide concentrations increased in the open ocean relative to the river and bay waters. Equilibrium was not observed for carbon monoxide, and the net transport of this gas appears to be from the water into the atmosphere for all samples analyzed. Atmospheric carbon monoxide concentrations ranged from 0.075 to 0.44 p.p.m. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.