As a contribution to the European project INGOS, atmospheric air samples are taken daily to analyze the concetration and isotopic compostion of atmospheric nitrous oxide (N₂O) and methane (CH₄) to be analyzed at the University of Utrecht (Netherlands) and the Royal Holloway University of London (United Kingdom), respectively. These atmospheric samples are taken in the bow of the vessel en route between stations to avoid any contamination caused by the ship. The samples of N₂O are taken filling a stainless steel container using an air compressor and the sample of CH₄ is stored in a bag of inert material, also using a pump.

International atmospheric sampling of N₂O. From left to right: Verena Rumpel and Nadine Broda (Germany), Mercedes de la Paz (Spain) and Alba Cobo (Colombia)

Atmospheric sampling of CH₄.