Role of remote sensing in characterization of methane sources and distribution

Peter D. Ashcroft; Benoit F. Morel

doi:10.1117/12.177987

29 June 1994 Role of remote sensing in characterization of methane sources and distribution

Peter D. Ashcroft, Benoit F. Morel

Proceedings Volume 2222, Atmospheric Propagation and Remote Sensing III; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.177987
Event: SPIE's International Symposium on Optical Engineering and Photonics in Aerospace Sensing, 1994, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

This research uses the case study of methane characterization in order to explore more generally the design of remote sensing systems in response to specific environmental questions, and the integration of space based measurements with those of other platforms. In particular, this analysis examines the potential contributions of space based instruments to one of the most important objectives of a methane characterization program: a better understanding of the spatial behavior of sources. Due to its long atmospheric lifetime and relatively homogeneous distribution, any methane signal to be detected through remote sensing is small. The methane attributes of interest are not directly observable, but must be inferred through inversion of the spatially (and perhaps spectrally), integrated signal received by the instrument. This investigation explores the extent to which methane characterization is limited by uncertainty on the temperature profile, the water profile, surface albedo, and instrument noise. The capabilities of anticipated NASA Earth Observing System instruments in the context of various system configurations will be discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Peter D. Ashcroft and Benoit F. Morel "Role of remote sensing in characterization of methane sources and distribution", Proc. SPIE 2222, Atmospheric Propagation and Remote Sensing III, (29 June 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.177987

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