Full Record Display for the EPA National Library Catalog

RECORD NUMBER: 191 OF 600

Main Title Current and Future Environmental Role of Atmospheric Methane: Model Studies and Uncertainties.
Author Pinto, J. P. ; Bruehl, C. H. ; Thompson, A. M. ;
CORP Author Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC. Atmospheric Research and Exposure Assessment Lab.
Publisher 1992
Year Published 1992
Report Number EPA/600/A-92/116;
Stock Number PB92-188820
Additional Subjects Methane ; Greenhouse effect ; Terrestrial radiation ; Infrared radiation ; Atmospheric chemistry ; Air pollution ; Environment effects ; Climatology ; Carbon dioxide ;
Holdings
Library Call Number Additional Info Location Last
Modified
Checkout
Status
NTIS  PB92-188820 Some EPA libraries have a fiche copy filed under the call number shown. 07/26/2022
Collation 30p
Abstract Concern over increasing levels of methane in the atmosphere centers on its radiative and chemical properties. Methane absorbs terrestrial infrared radiation and contributes to the greenhouse effect. Effects on other greenhouse absorbers (e.g., O3, H2O, and CO2) as the result of its oxidation must also be considered. These indirect effects have made the quantification of the total climatic effects of chemically active gases, such as CH4, much more difficult than if direct radiative effects are considered alone. The oxidation of methane also exerts a controlling influence on atmospheric OH levels and is a major source of carbon monoxide. The variations in OH induced by changing CH4 levels feed back onto the lifetime of methane and the abundance of CO. There is a shortage of intercompared model results documenting the effects of CH4 and nonmethane hydrocarbon (NMHC) additions on tropospheric OH levels. Most analyses to date have relied on analyses of gas phase reaction sequences for methane oxidation without considering the numerous feedbacks on atmospheric chemistry. More complete modeling studies are needed because OH levels also depend on the emissions of CO, NMHCs, and NOy (NOx + NO3 + 2N2O5 + CH3CO3NO2(PAN) + HNO3 + HNO4 + CINO3 + NO3), where NOx is NO + NO2 and NOy and NX are interchangeable terms. Furthermore, analyses which simulate the role of climate in controlling CH4 emissions from various natural sources (e.g. wetlands) are critical for attempting to predict the response of atmospheric methane levels to future climate change.
NTIS Title Notes Book chapter.
Category Codes 68A; 55C; 55E
NTIS Prices PC A03/MF A01
Primary Description 600/09
Document Type NT
Cataloging Source NTIS/MT
Control Number 220521371
Origin NTIS
Type CAT