New tool measures ethane emissions from space

By Scout Nelson

University of Minnesota researchers have developed a groundbreaking new tool to measure ethane emissions from space. This innovative technology provides a valuable means of assessing fossil fuel emissions worldwide and contributes to a better understanding of their impact on air quality and climate change.

The team of researchers, led by Jared Brewer and Dylan Millet, utilized satellite-based measurements to detect infrared radiation emitted by the Earth. By analyzing how this radiation interacts with gases in the atmosphere, they were able to quantify the abundance of ethane, a gas commonly found in natural gas and used in plastics manufacturing.

"Diagnosing and mitigating the impacts of oil and gas extraction requires accurate knowledge of the underlying emissions," said Dylan Millet, a professor at the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). "This new tool provides a significant step forward in achieving that goal."

Using a machine learning algorithm, the researchers analyzed satellite data to determine atmospheric ethane concentrations and create detailed maps of emissions sources around the world. Their findings revealed that the Permian Basin in western Texas and southeastern New Mexico is the largest persistent source of ethane emissions on the planet.

The study also demonstrated that the Permian Basin accounts for a substantial portion of global fossil-fuel ethane emissions, ranging from 4 to 7%. Moreover, the researchers discovered that current estimates of ethane emissions from the Permian Basin are significantly underestimated, by a factor of seven.

This research represents a significant advancement in the ability to track and quantify ethane emissions using satellite data. The team plans to further develop this technology to provide more accurate and timely measurements in the coming years.

By improving our understanding of ethane emissions, we can take steps to reduce their impact on the environment and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Photo Credit:university-of-minnesota