CH4 Total Column Measurements Made by Earth Observation Satellites

CEOS EO HANDBOOK – MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENTS

Measurements > Atmosphere >
Trace gases (excluding ozone) >
CH4 Total Column

Measurement Definition*: 2D field of total amount of CH4 molecules per unit area in an atmospheric column extending from the Earth’s surface to the upper edge of the atmosphere - Measuring Units molecules.cm-2, Uncertainty Units %

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ECV Carbon Dioxide, Methane and other Greenhouse gases

Instrument	Status/ Accuracy	Instrument Description	Measurement Technology	Timeline
UVNS (Sentinel-5) Ultra-violet Visible Near-infrared Shortwave-infrared spectrometer	Being developed +/-2 %	Supporting atmospheric composition and air quality monitoring services. Measurements of atmospheric trace gases, primarily O3, NO2, SO2, HCHO, CH4, CO, CHOCHO as well as Aerosols and UV Index.	n/a

* Description adapted from WMO.