Methods for Global Survey of Natural Gas Flaring from Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite Data

• DOI: 10.3390/en9010014
• Publication Date: 2015-12-28T09:23:49Z
• Authors: Christopher Elvidge; Mikhail Zhizhin; Kimberly Baugh; Feng-Chi Hsu; Tilottama Ghosh
• Keywords: Shortwave

A set of methods are presented for the global survey natural gas flaring using data collected by National Aeronautics and Space Administration/National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration NASA/NOAA Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS). The accuracy flared volume estimates is rated at ±9.5%. VIIRS particularly well suited detecting measuring radiant emissions from flares through collection shortwave near-infrared night, recording peak flares. In 2012, a total 7467 individual flare sites were identified. estimated 143 (±13.6) billion cubic meters (BCM), corresponding to 3.5% production. While USA has largest number flares, Russia leads in terms volume. Ninety percent was found upstream production areas, 8% refineries 2% liquified (LNG) terminals. results confirm that bulk occurs areas. can provide site-specific tracking use evaluating efforts reduce eliminate routine flaring.