On the Methane Emissions of the Greater Thessaloniki Area

Abstract

We examine the atmospheric concentrations of methane (CH4) over the Greater Thessaloniki Area using data from the periods 2003–2004 and 2018–2022. Earlier data are from SCIAMACHY on ENVISAT, while the later years are from TROPOMI on Sentinel 5P. Large increases are observed over this period, as expected from the overall global trend. The data show increased concentrations over the rice fields of Chalastra, biological waste treatment units and biogas plants, and garbage burial sites. The highest concentrations are observed during autumn, while the lower ones are observed during spring. The 2022 levels are around 1900 ppb. Annual increases in the examined period up to 16 ppbv (2019–2020) have been observed. During December 2021, very high CH4 was observed over an area when no high CH4 concentrations had been observed prior to or after this episode.

Keywords

• methane
• satellite
• rice fields