What have we learned from three

decades of high-quality
atmospheric CH4
measurements?

NOAA Global Monitoring Division

NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory
Boulder, Colorado USA
Presented by Dr. Russ Schnell, June 9, 2016
 GMD Global Air Sampling Network

*Weekly samples *Portable sampler *Analyzed by GC/FID

*www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/ccgg/iadv/
Atmospheric Baseline Observatories

Page 3
CMDL Measures Carbon Cycle Gases
From Tall Towers and Light Aircraft

Flask
Sampler Pump
Box
Shipping and
Analysis
CH4 : What is Causing the Recent Global Increase?

Globally Averaged CH4

13C(CH4)
ESRL Oil/Gas Research How?
NOAA employs
a unique
combination of
observational
platforms,
analysis
approaches
and human
expertise.
Partial Column Average CH4 from Aircraft Profiles:
No Significant Relative Trends!

EBC empirical boundary curtain (interpolated aircraft profiles)

MBL marine boundary layer surface.
 Instrumentation:
NOAA Light Aircraft
In situ CH4 and Ethane: natural gas markers
In situ CO2 (CO): combustion markers Refueling at Vernal Airport
In situ NO2: combustion marker, ozone precursors
In situ O3 (two instruments)
Discrete air samples: CH4, CO, CO2, C2-C8 alkanes, aromatics
Daily operations: 2 people on site, 1-2 remotely
*
Navigation
* *
system
flasks

NO2 Data Display

O3

CH4,
CO2
* Pictures: Sonja Wolter Inlets under wing
NOAA Mobile Lab
In situ CH4 and Ethane: natural gas markers
In situ CO2, CO: combustion markers
Displays of
In situ NO/NO2: combustion markers, ozone precursors
measurements
In situ VOCs (aromatics, oxygenates): ozone precursors
In situ O3 (two instruments)
Discrete air samples: CH4, CO, CO2, C2-C8 alkanes, aromatics
Daily operations: 3-5 people on site

NO,
NO2
flasks

VOC
s
CH4,
CO,
Example of Drive in the Uinta
Basin
Drive to several compressor stations in the
gas field

Fugitive emissions of natural gas are substantial at several

locations in the oil & gas fields.
Barnett, Oct 17, 2014

15
 Barnett, Texas: 19 Oct 2013
5 downwind transects

CH4 C 2H 6

Methane (left) and ethane (right) in five separate downwind transects

show consistency of plume. They also indicate that a portion of the
methane enhancement does not correspond with an ethane
enhancement. 16
Top-down studies: critical to evaluate
inventory emission estimates
What Do Time-Dependent Inversions Show?

Widely varying
long-term means.

No large upward
trends.
O&G efficiency (leak rate) improving
globally over time
Schwietzke et al., 2014 (ES&T)
Growth rate (ppb yr-1)
Source: Carl Brenninkmeijer
Conclusions
In situ observations, atmospheric inversions, and best
available bottom-up information do not support a large,
recent increase in US CH4 emissions.

We have not detected changing US anthropogenic CH4

emissions from space.

There is strong evidence that the FF sector is not driving

the recent global CH4 increase.

Probable cause of the CH4 increase: Tropical wetlands

Policy relevant work needs to be impeccable.