Improved methane emission estimates using AVIRIS-NG and an Airborne Doppler Wind Lidar

Estimating methane (CH4) emission rates using quantitative CH4 retrievals from the Next Generation Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS-NG) requires use of wind speeds. Model speeds have limited temporal and spatial resolution, meteorological station data are variable quality often not available near observed plumes, ultrasonic anemometers co-located with sources is impractical for AVIRIS-NG flight campaigns daily coverage thousands square kilometers. Given these limitations, this study focused on Twin Otter Doppler Wind Lidar (TODWL) to measure surface winds provide coincident measurements plumes AVIRIS-NG. In a controlled release experiment, TODWL speed direction agreed well anemometer derived observations were more accurate than those or model during periods stable winds. During exhibiting rapid shifts in direction, estimating proved challenging irrespective model, anemometer, data. Overall, was able reasonably rate estimates despite conditions excessive level turbulence which impacted measurement density. also used constrain emissions at refinery, landfill, wastewater facility, dairy digester. At sites, nearby stations, when combined plume imagery, yielded that similar obtained This demonstrates utility combining emphasizes potential benefits integrating both instruments single aircraft future deployments.