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The Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Near-Surface Atmospheric Methane in China Based on Remote Sensing Data: A Review
- 1 Human Geography and Urban-Rural Planning, Hainan University, Haikou City, 570228, China
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
With the advancement of urbanization and industrialization, methane emissions from human activities have been on the rise, playing a critical role in global warming. As a potent greenhouse gas, the impact of methane on climate change has attracted increasing attention, particularly in China, a major global emitter of methane. Studying its distribution and influencing factors in the near-surface atmosphere is of great importance. This paper aims to explore the distribution patterns and key drivers of methane in China’s near-surface atmosphere. By reviewing relevant literature and analyzing remote sensing data, it examines the variation patterns of methane concentrations in different regions of China and their main influencing factors. The research data comes from the AIRS (Atmospheric Infrared Sounder) satellite remote sensing dataset, which spans methane concentration data from 2002 to 2020, focusing on seasonal variations and regional differences. The results show that regions like Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu exhibit higher methane concentrations, which are mainly influenced by human factors such as wetland distribution, agricultural activities (e.g., rice paddies), and mining activities. Moreover, methane concentrations peak in autumn and winter, closely related to seasonal agricultural activities and heating demands. The study highlights the vital role of methane emission control in mitigating climate change and suggests strengthening the monitoring and management of methane emission sources to help achieve China’s carbon neutrality goals.
Keywords
Near-Surface Atmospheric Methane, Remote Sensing Monitoring, Greenhouse Gas, Methane Emission, Emission Factors
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Cite this article
Zhang,Z. (2025). The Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Near-Surface Atmospheric Methane in China Based on Remote Sensing Data: A Review. Theoretical and Natural Science,93,1-7.
Data availability
The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.
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Volume title: Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Environmental Geoscience and Earth Ecology
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