Fast Methane Measurements Using a Novel Laser-based Gas Analyzer

Methane has increased significantly with human population levels. Pre-1750 ice core data indicates that pre-industrialization levels were ~700 ppbv, while current levels are ~1745 ppbv. In current budget estimates of atmospheric CH4, major contributors include both natural (wetlands) and anthropogenic sources (energy, landfills, ruminants, biomass burning, rice agriculture). The strengths of these sources vary spatially and temporally. Estimates of emissions from wetlands are also uncertain due to the extreme variability of these ecosystems. Because methane lifetime is relatively long (8.4 years), atmospheric variations in concentration are small and accuracy in measurement is important for understanding spatial and temporal variability. We report on the application and independent performance characterization of a novel gas analyzer based on cavity-enhanced laser absorption spectroscopy. The Analyzer was used for the measurements of methane in ambient air for eddy correlation flux measurements and for chamber flux measurements. The Analyzer provided continuous measurements at data rates up to 20 Hz and a replicate precision of better than 2 ppbv in a 1 second measurement time.