Relationship of satellite-derived atmospheric CH4 concentrations with agriculture sector CH4 emissions in Turkey

In this study, bottom-up annual CH4 emissions from agriculture (rice cultivation, enteric fermentation and manure) were calculated with the IPCC Tier 1 approach on county-level, and province totals were obtained for the first time in Turkey. Konya, which produces the highest annual CH4 emissions (117 Gg CH4 ⁄ yr), is followed by Izmir, and Manisa provinces. TROPOMI-derived CH4 measurements for a year from December 2018 to November 2019 were used to estimate the monthly and annual concentrations (ppb) for counties and provinces in Turkey. The monthly average CH4 concentrations were between 1855-1870 ppb, and the highest levels were observed between June and September, which also coincides with the agricultural processes cause CH4 emissions. TROPOMI CH4 concentrations and agriculture-related CH4 emissions agreed for provinces of İzmir, Aydın, Tekirdağ, Mersin, Adana, Hatay, Osmaniye, Kilis, Mardin and Şırnak, but conflicts for Ardahan, Van, Ağrı, Kars and Erzurum. The results indicated agreement with agricultural CH4 emissions in western and southern parts of Turkey rather than northern and eastern parts.