# Characterization of spatial and temporal variations of CO2 concentration on tropical Island and analysis of influencing factors

## TL;DR

This study examines how CO2 levels have changed over time and space on Hainan Island and identifies factors influencing these changes.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the spatial and temporal patterns of CO2 concentration and the impact of environmental and human factors on a tropical island.

## Key findings

- CO2 concentration on Hainan Island increased from 2011 to 2024, with a faster growth rate in the early period.
- The spatial distribution of CO2 is high in the north and low in the south, influenced by human activities, topography, and vegetation.
- Vegetation acts as the main carbon sink, while human activities are the main carbon source on the island.

## Abstract

In this study, the spatial and temporal variations and distribution characteristics of the carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration on Hainan Island are analyzed using GOSAT L3 data from 2011 to 2024, and the effects of various factors impacting the CO2 concentration on Hainan Island are discussed. The results indicate that from 2011 to 2024, the CO2 concentration on Hainan Island showed an increasing trend, with a fast growth rate in the early period and a slow growth rate in recent years with the implementation of the dual-carbon strategy. The spatial distribution is affected by anthropogenic activities, topography, vegetation and solar radiation, and the overall CO2 concentration pattern is high in the north and low in the south. Human activities are the most important source of carbon on Hainan Island, vegetation is the most important carbon sink, and elements such as surface temperature, precipitation, and total solar radiation play roles in suppressing CO2. The CO2 concentration on Hainan Island is expected to continue to increase at a slow rate and may display a decreasing trend in the future.