WASHINGTON: Scientists are trying to figure out the source of a huge mass of methane which has been found to be looming over the southwestern United States. Last year, detailed analysis by the University of Michigan and NASA, based on the images captured by a European satellite between the years 2003 and 2009, revealed that the region has the largest concentration of the greenhouse gas in the country. Now, other agencies, along with NASA, have also joined the investigation to unfold the mystery of the Four Corners region where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah collide.
To investigate the methane concentration further, researchers have decided to employ special NASA airplanes carrying the Hyperspectral Thermal Emission Spectrometer (HyTES) and the Next-Generation Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRISng). The latter is not only capable of detecting methane but can also map it in great detail. Although public health and safety in the Four Corners region is not under any direct threat from methane emissions, experts opine that methane emitted from traditional oil and gas operations is generally accompanied by hydrocarbon emissions which leads to smog and causes respiratory ailments like asthma.
Scientists are planning to use both airborne and ground based instruments to pinpoint the source of methane. The European satellite which had discovered the hot spot is currently not in use but researchers are planning to use Japan’s GOSAT satellite to focus on the region. These combined efforts are expected to resolve the mystery and quantify the methane emissions which are contributing to the climate change. Researchers hope to track the sources and eradicate this dangerous methane emission which could dangerously damage the environment.
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