QUANTITATIVE STUDY ON METHANE EMISSION IN LIAONING PROVINCE BASED ON GAUSSIAN PLUME MODEL

Methane, a critical greenhouse gas, significantly contributes to climate warming. This study quantifies methane emissions in Liaoning Province, China—a major industrial region—using TROPOMI satellite data and the Gaussian plume model. Filtered satellite observations and ERA5 meteorological parameters were integrated to retrieve emission rates and spatial patterns. Results indicate annual methane emissions of (720 ± 150) Gg yr -1 , with coal mining accounting for more than 60%. Seasonal analysis highlights elevated winter emissions linked to heating-related coal use. Satellite-derived emissions exceed EDGARv6.0 estimates by approximately 35%, suggesting underreported industrial sources, particularly mine ventilation leaks. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining remote sensing and dispersion modeling for regional methane monitoring. Key recommendations include enhancing emission inventories through high-resolution models and promoting methane recovery technologies in coal and steel sectors. These findings emphasize the need for targeted industrial emission controls to address climate and air quality challenges.