Mapping Methane: The Trio of Sentinel Satellites Targeting Super-Emitters From Space

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Identifying Methane Super-Emitters from Space: A Triad of Sentinel Satellites Enhance Monitoring Capabilities

A comprehensive display indicates the geographic distribution and scale of all 2,974 significant methane-emitting plumes captured in 2021 by the Copernicus Sentinel-5P’s Tropomi instrument. The instrument, exclusive to the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite, generates a daily global methane concentration map. A novel algorithm utilizing machine learning to automatically identify substantial methane emissions in Sentinel-5P data has been announced by researchers at the SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research. Credit: ESA/SRON

In an effort to mitigate climate change and decrease the release of greenhouse gases, the importance of monitoring methane leaks—an influential contributor to global warming—cannot be overstated. To this end, state-of-the-art satellite technologies are being employed to surveil these leaks from an extraterrestrial vantage point.

The Crucial Role of Methane in Combating Climate Change

Methane is a formidable greenhouse gas, second only to carbon dioxide in terms of its impact on global warming.

Though it has a shorter atmospheric lifespan of roughly 10 years, a metric ton of methane can trap 30 times more heat compared to the same amount of carbon dioxide over a century. Fortunately, the relatively short atmospheric duration of methane provides a unique opportunity for swift, effective action against climate change. Reducing methane emissions could result in noticeable declines in global methane levels within a decade, which would in turn alleviate the accelerated greenhouse effect.

An image included here depicts one of the major methane-emitting plumes observed over an oil extraction site in Libya on July 26, 2021, as monitored by Copernicus Sentinel-5P. Confirmatory observations by GHGSat satellites, based on Tropomi data, disclosed emissions originating from an unlit flare. Credit: ESA (Data: GHGSat/contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2021), processed by ESA)

Addressing ‘Super-Emitters’

Methane emitters can be natural, such as wetlands, or anthropogenic, such as agricultural activities. However, ‘super-emitters’ discharge considerably larger volumes of methane compared to other sources. These significant sources are commonly associated with industrial sectors like oil and gas extraction, coal mining, and landfills. Equipment malfunctions or infrastructure issues in these facilities often lead to extensive methane leaks.

Tackling these super-emitters could offer relatively straightforward and cost-effective mitigation strategies. The preliminary step, however, is to identify them in order to focus remediation efforts efficiently.

Utilizing Machine Learning for Enhanced Methane Surveillance

The Tropomi instrument on the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite is unique in its ability to produce daily global maps of methane concentrations. The satellite captures methane data by examining Earth’s atmosphere, particularly focusing on shortwave infrared bands that serve as distinct identifiers for methane. This abundance of data is vital in understanding and combating the environmental and climatic implications of methane emissions.

Researchers at the SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research have introduced a machine learning-based algorithm that can automatically detect and calculate significant methane plumes and their corresponding emissions, factoring in wind conditions.

Berend Schuit from SRON elaborates, “In the past, we manually sifted through voluminous Tropomi data to pinpoint major emitters. The machine learning model now automates this process, generating daily lists of detected plumes. We manually review these findings weekly to ensure their accuracy. The enduring detections are then publicly disclosed.”

Co-author Bram Maasakkers adds, “The opportunity presented by these routine detections is invaluable in our fight against global warming.”

A recent paper in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics details these findings and can be accessed here.

A Multi-Satellite Approach for Methane Detection

The standard approach to monitoring methane emissions has been to rely on Copernicus Sentinel-5P. However, a more integrated approach using multiple satellites has recently been initiated. This method involves Copernicus Sentinel-5P for global surveillance and Sentinel-2 for higher resolution data capture. Sentinel-3 offers a daily global coverage and a ground pixel resolution of 500 m, making it highly effective for detecting significant methane leaks.

Sudhanshu Pandey, the lead author and now a researcher at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, comments, “The integration of data from these three Sentinel missions provides unparalleled insights. It enables us to detect significant methane emitters globally, then zero in on the exact source.”

In the larger context of climate change mitigation, the advancement in satellite technology is proving to be a crucial asset for identifying and managing methane emissions efficiently. The significant role of these technological advancements is expected to continue evolving as part of the global endeavor to combat climate change.

Reference: “Daily detection and quantification of methane leaks using Sentinel-3: a tiered satellite observation approach with Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-5p” by Sudhanshu Pandey et al., published in Remote Sensing of Environment on July 28, 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.rse.2023.113716

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Methane Detection from Space

What is the main focus of the article?

The main focus of the article is the utilization of Sentinel satellites, specifically the Copernicus Sentinel-5P, equipped with Tropomi instruments, and machine learning algorithms to detect methane super-emitters from space. The objective is to address climate change by identifying and quantifying these significant sources of methane emissions.

Why is methane important in the context of climate change?

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that, although it has a shorter lifespan than carbon dioxide, can retain 30 times more heat over a century. It is the second-largest contributor to climate warming. Therefore, identifying and mitigating methane emissions is crucial in the fight against climate change.

What are methane super-emitters?

Methane super-emitters are sources that release a disproportionately large amount of methane compared to other emitters. They are often found in industrial settings such as oil and gas operations, coal mines, and landfills. These super-emitters are considered “low-hanging fruits” in efforts to reduce emissions because fixing them often requires relatively simple repairs.

How does machine learning aid in methane detection?

Researchers from SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research have developed a new algorithm that uses machine learning to automatically identify methane super-emitter plumes in data gathered by the Sentinel-5P satellite. The algorithm also calculates the associated emissions based on measured concentrations and concurrent wind speeds.

What is the role of the Sentinel satellites?

The Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite produces a daily global map of methane concentrations. Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-3 satellites offer higher resolution and can precisely identify the sources of major methane leaks, complementing the data gathered by Sentinel-5P. These satellites work in tandem to provide a comprehensive overview of methane emissions.

What is a tiered satellite observation approach?

The tiered approach involves using data from multiple Sentinel missions. Sentinel-5P initially spots methane super-emitters globally. Sentinel-3 and Sentinel-2 satellites then zoom in to identify the exact source responsible at the facility level. Combining the data from these satellites enables precise identification, quantification, and monitoring of methane sources.

How is this information used for climate action?

The data collected and analyzed through this approach is used by international organizations such as the United Nations’ International Methane Emissions Observatory. It informs solutions and actions to be taken in cooperation with responsible companies and authorities to mitigate methane emissions and combat climate change.