Assessing the Methane Concentration Variation over the Small, Medium and Big Cites of Gujarat, India Using Satellite Data

Methane (CH₄) is a potent greenhouse gas with a significantly higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide over shorter timescales. Urban areas are key contributors to CH₄ emissions, driven by industrial activities, landfill sites, wastewater treatment plants, and other anthropogenic and biogenic sources. However, the lack of ground-based methane monitoring limits our understanding of its spatial distribution and seasonal variability in Indian cities. This study leverages satellite-based remote sensing to assess methane concentration variations across small, medium, and large cities of Gujarat for the year 2024 using data from the TROpospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI).

By analysing monthly and seasonal CH₄ profiles, we explore the spatial and temporal patterns of methane emissions and investigate their correlation with urbanization levels, emission sources, and meteorological factors. The study provides an inter-comparison of methane levels among cities of varying sizes, offering insights into the role of urban growth, industrialization, and climatic influences in shaping methane distribution. The findings highlight key emission hotspots and temporal trends, which are crucial for policymakers and regulatory agencies in designing targeted methane mitigation strategies.

Understanding these variations is critical for improving air quality management and aligning with climate action policies. The outcomes of this research can support the development and enhancement of city-specific air quality action plans, contributing to more effective methane reduction efforts in urban environments.

Keywords: Methane; Greenhouse gases; Satellite Data; Air Pollution; Mitigation