An open platform for understanding Australia’s methane emissions

To establish an initial estimate of Australia's methane emissions, we combine data from the Australian Government's National Methane Inventory with land use data and other relevant information.

Wind speed and direction, as well as atmospheric conditions, influence the distribution of methane throughout the atmosphere.

By employing a Weather Forecast Model (WRF) and Atmospheric Pollution Model (CMAQ), we develop a prediction of methane transportation in the atmosphere.

By integrating our Initial Emissions Estimate (Step 1) with the Atmospheric Pollution Model (Step 2), we create a map indicating expected atmospheric concentrations of methane

This visualisation reflects the amount of methane contained in each cubic metre of air across Australia, averaged through the atmosphere.

Satellites equipped with methane-detection capabilities map the methane concentration above each point of Australia. These readings may be influenced by atmospheric visibility issues, such as cloud cover.

Unexpected methane concentrations emerge when comparing satellite-measured atmospheric concentrations (Step 4) against model-produced expected concentration data (Step 3).

Discrepancies highlight anomalies to the initial emissions estimate, and appear as methane 'events' on Open Methane.

To pinpoint the emissions corresponding to the concentration discrepancies, we operate the Atmospheric Pollution Model (like in step 3) but in reverse.

Our corrections yield an improved picture of Australia's methane emissions. These improved estimates can be observed and compared using the Open Methane Map and Data Tool.