A small number of “ultra-emitters” of methane contribute as much as 12 percent of the greenhouse gas to the atmosphere every year — and now scientists know where many of these sources are.
In oil and gas production, massive methane bursts might be the result of accidents or leaky pipelines or other facilities, Lauvaux says. But these leaks are often the result of routine maintenance practices, the team found. Rather than shut down for days to clear gas from pipelines, for example, managers might open valves on both ends of the line, releasing and burning off the gas quickly.
Satellite images helped scientists identify oil and gas ultra-emitters of methane , with the biggest emitters releasing as much as 500 metric tons of the gas per hour to the atmosphere . Blue lines show gas pipelines. Some of the emission hot spots followed the traces of those pipelines, such as in Russia.Kayrros, Inc.
In the new study, the team didn’t include sources in the Permian Basin among the ultra-emitters; the large emissions from that region are the result of numerous tightly clustered but smaller emissions sources. Because TROPOMI doesn’t peer well through clouds, other regions around the globe, such as Canada and the equatorial tropics, also weren’t included.
Stopping all of these big leaks, which amount to an estimated 8 to 12 percent of total annual methane emissions, could save these countries billions of dollars, the researchers say. And the reduction in those emissions would be about as beneficial to the planet as cutting all emissions from Australia since 2005, or removing 20 million vehicles from the roads for a year.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Peering into the atmosphere of an ultra-hot exoplanet | Digital TrendsAstronomers have investigated the ultra-hot exoplanet WASP-189b's atmosphere, and found that it's just as odd as the planet beneath.
Read more »
These are Samsung's 'key' Galaxy Tab S8, Tab S8+, and Tab S8 Ultra featuresThe latest in a long line of reliable leaks details the key features and specs of the entire upcoming Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 family.
Read more »
2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre spy shots: Ultra-luxury electric coupe spottedRolls-Royce will launch its first EV in 2023 on the road toward a full-electric lineup by 2030.
Read more »
The Galaxy S22 Ultra Exynos and Snapdragon models' performance seems nearly identicalThe latest benchmarks put the Samsung's Exynos 2200 model of the S22 Ultra on equal footing with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 version for the U.S.
Read more »
Falken Azenis FK520 ultra high performance tyre range debuts | EvoFalken has launched a new range of Azenis FK520 UHP tyres as an alternative to the Michelin Pilot Sport and Pirelli P Zero -
Read more »
This Ultra-Rare Intel GPU Just Sold for $5,000 on eBayThis prototype card could be the last of its kind.
Read more »