XCH₄ Measurements for High-Resolution Methane Concentration Mapping

The dataset utilized in this study corresponds to the year 2019 (all months) and covers an extensive region within the Mediterranean Basin. This particular year was selected to investigate seasonal variations in column-averaged dry-air mole fraction of methane (XCH₄), providing insights into methane dynamics over different climatic periods.

Furthermore, to assess long-term trends in methane emissions in the world, data from four distinct years—2019 and 2021—were analyzed, and they cover 4 months (January, April, July, and October). By comparing these periods, we aimed to identify potential increases in atmospheric XCH₄ concentrations and detect emerging emission patterns. Specific intervals within these years were carefully selected based on data quality, spatial coverage, and relevance to the research objectives, ensuring robust and reliable methane estimations.

For the purposes of this study, two different geographical domains were defined:

1. A global study area, encompassing longitudes from 180°W to 180°E and latitudes from 90°S to 90°N.
2. A regional study area, focused on longitudes between 1°E and 40°E and latitudes between 20°N and 50°N, covering a substantial portion of the Mediterranean region.

This approach allowed for a comprehensive analysis, integrating both broad-scale atmospheric observations and more localized assessments to enhance the understanding of methane distribution and its temporal evolution.