Remote Sensing-Based Monitoring of Methane Emissions in the Carpathian Region

Remote Sensing & GIS for Environmental Monitoring

Authors

First and Last Name Academic degree E-mail Affiliation
Bohdan Karpinskyi No karpinskijbohdan [at] gmail.com Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas
Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
Lidiia Davybida Ph.D. lidiia.davybida [at] nung.edu.ua Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas
Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine

I and my co-authors (if any) authorize the use of the Paper in accordance with the Creative Commons CC BY license

First published on this website: 21.08.2024 - 16:41
Abstract 

The research explores the environmental impacts of oil and gas production in the Carpathian region, focusing on abandoned wells and their potential to contaminate the environment. The region, characterized by a long history of oil and gas extraction, faces significant risks due to approximately 6,000 abandoned wells, which are potential sources of methane emissions. Methane, being a primary component of these emissions, poses serious threats to air quality and public health. The study emphasizes the absence of a standardized methodology for detecting hydrocarbon contamination from these wells. To address this, the authors propose using remote sensing data, particularly from the Sentinel-5P TROPOMI satellite, to monitor methane emissions. The study spans data from 2019 to 2024, employing tools like Google Earth Engine for processing and visualizing this data. The results include interactive maps and time series analyses that show an increasing trend in methane levels over the Carpathian region. The findings underline the importance of combining remote sensing with ground-based observations to develop a comprehensive environmental monitoring system. This approach not only helps in understanding the pollution dynamics but also aids in formulating strategies for decarbonization and improving environmental safety in the region.

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