Leifer, Ira: Bubbleology Research International (Project Lead)
Project Funding:
2006 - 2009
NRA: 2005 NASA: Land Cover / Land Use Change
Funded by NASA
Abstract:
Although CH4 is at least 20 times more potent to greenhouse warming than CO2, its sources are poorly constrained. Remote sensing can improve atmospheric CH4 budgets by allowing measurements at multiple scales with standardized measures and repeat sampling. However, improvements in spatial resolution are necessary to validate satellite-derived CH4 measurements of sources with sub-regional scale variability. Equally important, is the lack of ground-referenced data. We propose marine hydrocarbon seeps can ground reference remote sensing CH4 data determining limitations and abilities of current and next generation remote sensing platforms. Marine hydrocarbon seeps provide an ideal natural laboratory for this validation, due to the sea surface’s relative spectral uniformity, the locality of the seeps, their clear identification (visual and sonar), the wide diversity of source strengths and intensity, and the freedom of movement (no obstacles) on the sea surface. Total field emissions are ~ 100 moles s-1, thus the downwind plume should be satellite observable (e.g., SCIAMACHY, etc.). We demonstrated in a proof of concept study in the Coal Oil Point seep field that remote sensing techniques and AVIRIS sensitivity in particular could measure methane emissions. Recent studies indicate geologic CH4 is significant but poorly constrained due to a lack of data. Seeps are particularly common in oil producing basins (Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of Alaska, S. California) and interior areas (Texas, Wyoming). Also, CH4 remote sensing will aid in areas beyond climate change such as homeland defense and disaster mitigation. We propose to identify the feasibility and limitations of current (AVIRIS) and next generation, remote-sensing technology for detection and quantification of CH4 fluxes. This study uses the wide range of seep strengths and intensities in the Coal Oil Point (COP) seep field as ground-reference data. The technique will be ground-referenced in an urban aqueous seep, the La Brea Tar Pits, and then applied to AVIRIS images acquired during the flooding of New Orleans. Only remote sensing can provide continent scale methane emission data; this study provides the validation. Other benefits include quantification of natural seepage and a technique that will aid homeland defense and disaster mitigation. Disasters, natural or otherwise, can lead to massive releases of methane from natural gas pipelines, presenting a hazard to rescue workers and requiring costly repairs.
2008 NASA Carbon Cycle & Ecosystems Joint Science Workshop Posters
- Mapping of Methane Emissions from Naturally Occurring Marine Seeps using Imaging Spectrometry
-- (Dar Alexander Roberts, Eliza S Bradley, Leifer Ira, Cheung Ross, Dennison E Philip, Dylan Parenti)
[abstract]
[poster]
More details may be found in the following project profile(s):
