We are
developing
techniques for remote sensing measurement of the
atmospheric
concentration of greenhouse gases such as CO2
and CH4.
An experimental ground-based system for measuring the
total column of CO2
or CH4 by looking at absorption lines in the
spectrum of the
Sun is currently being tested at UNSW. The aim is to
provide a much
lower cost and more portable alternative to current
systems such as the
TCCON FTIR
spectrometers.
The new systems should be capable of deployment in much
larger networks
providing better spatial coverage of greenhouse gas fluxes
into and out
of the atmosphere. The data are important for a better
understanding of
the carbon cycle, improved climate predictions and
verification of
greenhouse gas accounting methods.
Publications:
Bailey, J., 2013, "A low-cost portable fibre-optic
spectrometer for atmospheric absorption studies",
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Disc., 6, 1067-1092, open
access pdf
Greenhouse gas monitoring system at UNSW.
Satellite techniques for making similar measurements are
also under
investigation.
