1. Introduction

The Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (CDIAC), which includes the World Data Center (WDC) for Atmospheric Trace Gases, is the primary global change data and information analysis center of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). More than just an archive of data sets and publications, CDIAC has, since its inception in 1982, enhanced the value of its holdings through intensive quality assurance, documentation, and integration. Whereas many traditional data centers are discipline-based (for example, meteorology or oceanography), CDIAC's scope includes potentially anything and everything that would be of value to users concerned with the greenhouse effect and global climate change, including concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other radiatively active gases in the atmosphere; the role of the terrestrial biosphere and the oceans in the biogeochemical cycles of greenhouse gases; emissions of CO₂ and other trace gases to the atmosphere; long-term climate trends; the effects of elevated CO₂ on vegetation; and the vulnerability of coastal areas to rising sea levels.

CDIAC is located within the Environmental Sciences Division (ESD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. CDIAC is co-located with ESD researchers investigating global-change topics, such as the global carbon cycle and the effects of carbon dioxide on climate and vegetation. CDIAC staff are also connected with current ORNL research on related topics, such as renewable energy and supercomputing technologies.

CDIAC is supported by the Environmental Sciences Division (Jerry Elwood, Director) of DOE's Office of Biological and Environmental Research. CDIAC represents DOE in the multi-agency Global Change Data and Information System (GCDIS). Wanda Ferrell is DOE's Program Manager with overall responsibility for CDIAC. Roger Dahlman is responsible for CDIAC's AmeriFlux tasks, and Anna Palmisano for CDIAC’s Ocean Data tasks.

CDIAC is comprised of three groups: Data Systems, Information Services, and Computer Systems, with nineteen full-time or part-time staff. The following section provides details on CDIAC's staff and organization.

• The Data Systems Group identifies and obtains databases important to global-change research; analyzes data; compiles needed databases; provides data management support to specific programs (e.g., NARSTO, AmeriFlux, Oceans); and prepares documentation to ensure the long-term utility of CDIAC's data holdings.

• The Information Services Group responds to data and information requests; maintains records of all request activities; analyzes user statistics; assists in Web development and maintenance; and produces CDIAC's newsletter (CDIAC Communications), catalog, glossary, and educational materials.

• The Computer Systems Group provides computer system support for all CDIAC and WDC activities; designs and maintains CDIAC's computing system network; ensures compliance with ORNL/DOE computing security regulations; ensures long-term preservation of CDIAC data holdings through systematic backups; evaluates, develops, and implements software; ensures standards compliance; generates user statistics; provides Web design, development, and oversight; and provides systems analysis and programming assistance for scientific data projects.

1.2 Our Philosophy

Our philosophy can be expressed in terms of five interrelated principal objectives:

• Focus on the data and information products that are most in demand by our diverse user community of researchers, educators, students, policymakers, corporate officials, and the interested lay public. These products include the landmark record of rising atmospheric CO₂ at Mauna Loa, Hawaii; long-term U.S. global climate data; and global, regional, and national CO₂ emissions from fossil-fuel combustion.

• Emphasize data quality, so that our understanding of global climate change is based on reliable information.

• Thoroughly document important databases so that 20 years from now, users (especially those who are not experts in the particular disciplinary area) will be able to understand how a database was produced and what the data mean.

• Provide proper credit to data contributors, so that our users will understand that the data they receive from us originated not with CDIAC but rather with the investigators who so generously chose to share their data with CDIAC.

• Offer data and information to all users without restriction or charge, so that society receives the greatest possible benefit from the originating research programs. Take advantage of current developments in computing technologies for data archival and distribution, so that we provide a secure home for important data and provide the information to our users in the format most appropriate for them. At the same time, CDIAC appreciates that many users still prefer to receive information in more traditional formats, and we do our best to accommodate the diversity in the needs of our user community.

a Energy, Environment, and Resources Center, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
^b Computational Physics and Engineering Division, ORNL
^c Computing and Telecommunications Services, ORNL
*Dual Capacity

NOTE:  Staff Listing Subject to Change-Please visit the CDIAC Web site for Staff Updates.

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|  Introduction   |  Focus Areas | Data and Information Products |  Information Services |
| Computer Systems Development | CDIAC Presentations, Publications, and Awards | 
| Selected CDIAC Citations | Collaborations |  Acronyms and Abbreviations|