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Title:
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Validation of methane emission inventories for NW-Europe
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Author(s):
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Vermeulen, A.T.; Beemsterboer, B.; Bulk, W.C.M. van den; Eisma, R.; Hensen, A.; Kieskamp, W.M.; Möls, J.J.; Slanina, J.; Veltkamp, A.C.; Wyers, G.P.; Zwaagstra, O.
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Published by:
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Publication date:
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ECN
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1997
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ECN report number:
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Document type:
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ECN-C--96-088
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ECN publication
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Number of pages:
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Full text:
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73
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Download PDF
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Abstract:
Results of research on tropospheric methane concentration and isotopiccomposition of tropospheric methane are summarized. Current methane emissions
estimates in Northwest-Europe (NW-Europe) are validated for the period March
1993 - July 1996. Methane concentrations were monitored at the 200m
meteorological tower at Cabauw, Netherlands. Isotope analysis in methane was
carried out in order to reveal methane source types. From the database of
Cabauw methane concentration, methane emissions for NW-Europe were deduced
using a transport model called COMET. The COMET estimates of the emissions
generally were more or less equal to or higher than the current inventory
estimates, derived from statistical data. An important result is that the
developed method of concentration monitoring combined with transport
modelling provides an independent method to assess the methane emissions for
a large region that can be used to validate the emission inventories. Using
the same measurements, local emission estimates were derived for the region
close to the Cabauw tower. These estimates compare well with the inventory
data. Transport modelling was also used to determine the "1"4CH4 emissions
by Pressurised Water Reactors (PWRs) in NW-Europe. The modelling indicated
that the "1"4CH"4 emissions by PWRs are probably higher by a factor of
1.5.4 than published values. This larger amount of "1"4C from PWR must be
diluted with more fossil methane (devoid of "1"4C) in order to derive the
global "1"4CH4 budget, suggesting that the global fossil contribution to
atmospheric methane concentrations is larger than previously thought. From
the monitoring station near Amsterdam (Durgerdam) a methane emission for this
urban area has been calculated based on a half-year continuous methane
record. The estimate amounts to 2-34 Gg.yr"-"1. Expressed per unit of area
this emission is quite similar to the average emission of methane of the
Netherlands as a whole. As the Amsterdam area can be considered to be
representative for urban areas in the Netherlands it can be concluded from
this that urban areas in the Netherlands are not major sources of methane. 43
figs., 19 tabs., 43 refs.
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