James H Butler

Research involves measuring the amounts of climatically important trace gases, predominantly halocarbons, but including others as well, in the ocean and atmosphere. The objectives of this work are to understand the sources, distribution, and fate of trace gases involved in stratospheric ozone depletion and global warming. Compounds studied include solely man-made compounds such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) and other refrigerants and industrial agents, as well as compounds that have primarily natural sources, including nitrous oxide, methyl bromide, methyl chloride, and other halogenated methanes. Work is conducted in the both the field and the laboratory and involves the use of gas chromatography with electron capture or mass spectrometric detection. Data are consolidated for use in small and large models in attempts to understand the cycling of these gases.