# In the 800 kyr $\ce{CO_2}$ record, how detectable would a short-term peak be?

It is stated in https://cdiac.ess-dive.lbl.gov/trends/co2/ice_core_co2.html that the temporal uncertainty for the glacier $$\small\mathsf{CO_2}$$ records is less than $$\small\mathsf{5~\%}$$ at any given moment. That means ‒ for example ‒ ca. $$\small\mathsf{5,\!000}$$ years at $$\small\mathsf{100,\!000}$$ years ago. Could there have been peaks in the $$\small\mathsf{CO_2}$$ record that rose and fell back so quickly we wouldn't be able to detect them? Is there some paper or perhaps a monography that lists all the possible events in Earth's history that could have occurred in the last $$\small\mathsf{800,\!000}$$ or more years, which would lead to a likewise fast $$\small\mathsf{CO_2}$$ increase as today's, but also showing that, on the other hand, any such events would leave a long-lasting trace in the $$\small\mathsf{CO_2}$$ that should be easily detectable in the record?

• It's not clear what the remaining part of your question is. Could you edit it? The resolution of the record is annual layers. I think the "temporal uncertainty" refers to the cumulative uncertainty due to disturbed/missing sections of the core. Nov 8, 2019 at 3:50
• I believe Degauss is asking about the detectability of hypothetical short-lasting peak in the CO₂ record. I don't know if such peaks (rising and falling very quickly) are physical, but the question of detectability is a valid one.
– gerrit
Nov 8, 2019 at 9:25
• Hi Degauss, welcome to the site. We were not entirely sure what you meant. I have edited your question for clarification, please edit it again if this was not was you intended.
– gerrit
Nov 8, 2019 at 9:29
• You had edited it so well I didn't spot the difference at first. :D First I thought it would be too dumb to ask for peaks that were just "quick" but I admit that now it is more readable. Nov 8, 2019 at 23:14

$$\small\mathsf{CO_2}$$ does not fall back quickly:
graph shows the IPCC 2007 $$\small\mathsf{CO_2}$$ liftime from a computer model run that shows what happens to a single instantaneous pulse of $$\small\mathsf{CO_2}$$ emitted to the atmosphere. One thousand years after the $$\small\mathsf{CO_2}$$ is emitted to the atmosphere 20% is still there according to this model.
The decline shown is mostly due to $$\small\mathsf{CO_2}$$ dissolving in the oceans.