Abstract
This article discusses the role of methane in the atmosphere and its historic and recent variations. Techniques are described for monitoring its atmospheric abundance from the ground, and recently also from space. An overview is given of the main sources and sinks of atmospheric methane, and the large-scale constraints on the size of these processes as provided by the atmospheric measurements. The use of models is discussed, including the use of inverse modeling techniques for obtaining more detailed information on the spatiotemporal variation of methane emissions and sinks.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Encyclopedia of Atmospheric Sciences |
Subtitle of host publication | Second Edition |
Publisher | Elsevier Inc. |
Pages | 363-371 |
Number of pages | 9 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780123822260 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780123822253 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2015 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Air sampling
- Atmospheric chemistry
- Atmospheric modeling
- Climate
- Emissions
- Global monitoring
- Inverse modeling
- Isotopes
- Long-lived greenhouse gases
- Methane
- Radiative forcing
- Remote sensing