Utilizing OCO-2 satellite transect in comparing XCO2 concentrations among administrative regions in Northeast Asia

Abstract

The principal advantage of OCO-2 satellite transect as a remote sensor is to provide, in a cost-effective manner, information required for narrow and long strip coverage, utilizing narrow view angle. Based on the postulated advantages of OCO-2 satellite transect for multiple nation-wide monitoring, a satellite transect sampling approach has been specifically proposed with focus on administrative region-wide monitoring. This research idea was formulated by incorporating the concept of typical satellite remote sensing into in situ transect techniques. The OCO-2 satellite transect was quite useful in in comparing CO2 concentrations among administrative regions in Northeast Asia and better understanding the nature and extent of carbon intensity that occurs in transect sampling points. This transect sampling survey made it possible to identify area-wide patterns of CO2 concentration changing trends subject to many different influences (e.g. the effects of specific sources of land use), which cannot be acquired by typical GHG monitoring satellite such as GOSAT. The OCO-2 satellite transects break down the usual concept of area-wide mapping established as a typical satellite survey technique. The study concludes that OCO-2 satellite transect is demonstrably suitable as a reliable information source for detecting sufficient ground detail CO2 concentrations, including administrative region monitoring.