CRUX-1.0: An automatic GHG and Ozone observation system for inland Antarctica Plateau

Abstract. Antarctic inland regions, as critical hubs for global climate change monitoring, suffer from a lack of reliable long-term greenhouse gas (GHG) observation systems due to extreme low temperatures, strong winds, and limited logistical/energy support. To address this gap, the CRUX-1.0 automatic observation system was developed and deployed at Taishan Station (inland Antarctic Plateau) during the 39th and 40th CHINARE expeditions, targeting simultaneous monitoring of CO₂ and surface ozone (O₃). Integrating four core subsystems – analysis, calibration, temperature control, and data communication – the system is specifically engineered for harsh polar environments with low power consumption (<350 W) and autonomous operation capability. The operational analysis based on A one month continuous field experiment showed its stable performance: CO₂ measurements achieved a coefficient of variation (CV) <6 % (nearing 0 % post-calibration), while O₃ measurements maintained a CV <5.6 %. The average concentrations (CO₂: 420.3 ± 1.5 ppm; O₃: 20.1 ± 0.8 ppb) closely aligned with regional background levels and South Pole Station data, confirming high reliability. With its robust adaptability, CRUX-1.0 could be extended to other polar or high-altitude regions, further enhancing the global atmospheric monitoring network's coverage and capability.