Abstract

The concentration of methane in the atmosphere has increased dramatically over the last few centuries, from 0.7 ppmv to more than 1.7 ppmv, and continues to increase. This increasing concentration of methane (CH4) in the atmosphere is of particular concern because of the potential effects that it can have on global atmospheric chemistry and climate. Given its relatively long atmospheric lifetime, methane emissions do not appear, in general, to have an appreciable effect on local or regional air pollution. However, methane chemistry does have an important influence on the global atmosphere, affecting the amount of ozone (03) in both the troposphere and stratosphere, the amount of hydroxyl (OH) in the troposphere, and the amount of water vapor (H2O) in the stratosphere. Methane oxidation is also an important source of atmospheric carbon monoxide (CO) and formaldehyde (CH2O). Methane is the most abundant reactive trace gas in the troposphere. In addition, methane is a greenhouse gas, and its increasing concentrations are of special interest to concerns about climate change.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.