The amount and proportion of gases in the atmosphere influences global climate. Changes in the proportions of certain gases may be contributing to climate change, including a gradual warming of the atmosphere, referred to as the "greenhouse effect." Of particular interest are changes in the amount of water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and others. Some of these gases are naturally occuring, while others are man-made.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced by many natural and man-made processes, including combustion of fossil fuels. Besides reducing fossil-fuel emissions, there are a number of technologies under investigation for preventing carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.
Geologic sequestration involves the capture of carbon dioxide and its storage in natural pore spaces in geologic formations; this method of sequestration is thought to have the best potential for near-term application. The IGS is involved in research on geologic sequestration as part of the MIDCARB Project. Information is also available from the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Fossil Energy.