Considering the observation and illumination angular configuration for an improved detection and quantification of methane emissions

Gorroño, Javier; Pei, Zhipeng; Valverde, Adriana; Guanter, Luis

doi:10.5194/amt-19-1245-2026

Articles | Volume 19, issue 4

https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-19-1245-2026

© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-19-1245-2026

© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Articles | Volume 19, issue 4

Research article

|

19 Feb 2026

Research article |

| 19 Feb 2026

Considering the observation and illumination angular configuration for an improved detection and quantification of methane emissions

Javier Gorroño, Zhipeng Pei, Adriana Valverde, and Luis Guanter

Data sets

Benchmark simulations for methane emissions validation and sensitivity studies Javier Gorroño et al. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18161182

Model code and software

LARS-UPV/CH4unc: First release of LES_sensitivity (to angular configuration) Javier Gorroño https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18242174

Video supplement

Geometric projection of methane plumes, Valverde, Adriana Adriana Valverde and Javier Gorroño https://doi.org/10.5446/71693

Short summary

Methane plumes can be detected with several instruments from space at a high spatial resolution nowadays. We see a ground projection of these methane plumes from the satellites that, similarly to clouds or buildings, are distorted depending on the observation and illumination angle. Here we highlight this issue and propose a methodology to account for it using simulations that could enhance current and upcoming retrieval and quantification algorithms.