Simulation and Error Analysis of Methane Detection Globally Using Spaceborne IPDA Lidar

Methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) is recognized as the second most important greenhouse gas. An accurate and precise monitoring of methane gas globally has a vital role in studying the carbon cycle and global warming. The spaceborne integrated path differential absorption (IPDA) lidar is one of t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Remote Sensing
Main Authors: Xuanye Zhang, Miaomiao Zhang, Lingbing Bu, Zengchang Fan, Ahmad Mubarak
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-06-01
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/15/13/3239
Description
Summary:Methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) is recognized as the second most important greenhouse gas. An accurate and precise monitoring of methane gas globally has a vital role in studying the carbon cycle and global warming. The spaceborne integrated path differential absorption (IPDA) lidar is one of the most effective payload for methane detection. The simulation and optimization of the lidar system parameters can create an important base for the development of spaceborne payloads. However, previous IPDA lidar simulations have mostly used standard atmospheric models at simulation conditions, and to the best of our knowledge, there is no literature yet which applies a wavelength optimization to the IPDA system. In this study, we have investigated the relationship between the IPDA lidar system, based on wavelength optimization, and error measurement for CH<sub>4</sub> column-averaged concentration. By selecting the wavelengths with the lowest comprehensive error as on-line and off-line, the error has been minimized by 10 ppb approximately relative to before optimization. We have proposed an IPDA simulation model at real atmospheric conditions, combining with ERA-5 reanalysis data, to simulate methane concentration globally, and present the distribution of errors. Finally, after the optimization of the lidar system parameters, we have ensured that the maximum inversion error for CH<sub>4</sub> measurement is less than 10 ppb, to provide a reference for designing spaceborne IPDA lidar systems for high-precision CH<sub>4</sub> column-averaged concentration detection.
ISSN:2072-4292