Learning through Doing
Methane and CO2 examples
We work with facility operators, industry groups and regulators to share our airborne data and collaborate on mitigation efforts. For methane, this has resulted in an ongoing dialog and collective learning with operators about some of the mechanisms that drive strong point source emissions. Below are a number of case studies of successful leak repairs from pilot programs. We are working to expand these pilot programs to other regions and sectors. These case studies arose from airborne flights using JPL’s next-generation Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS-NG) and ASU’s Global Airborne Observatory (GAO).
Natural gas pipeline leak detection and repair
During airborne surveys of California in 2016-2017, NASA’s AVIRIS-NG instrument detected a number of leaks in low-pressure natural gas pipelines in neighborhoods and other populated areas. In each case, data (methane plume images and coordinates) was shared with the relevant gas utility, which promptly dispatched technicians to the location where they quickly verified and repaired the leaks. Many urban areas have thousands of miles of natural gas distribution pipelines that are currently difficult to survey more often than annually. This illustrates the value of remote sensing in helping alert utilities to potentially hazardous leaks. This example is from a gas leak in a neighborhood in the Los Angeles basin. We have detected and reported similar leaks in other parts of California, New Mexico and Salt Lake City.
Oil well leak detection and repair
In Summer and Fall of 2020, AVIRIS-NG and GAO data identified a number of leaks at oil and gas production sides in the southern San Joaquin Valley in California. In each case, data (methane plume images and coordinates) was shared with the relevant operator, which dispatched technicians to the location to confirm and in some cases repair leaks. In the video, methane plumes observed at the same site over several days indicate a persistent leak near an oil production site. The plume is changing direction with the prevailing wind.
Informing landfill gas management
In initial AVIRIS-NG airborne surveys of California in 2016, some very strong methane emissions were detected at a subset of landfills across the state. Plume images and coordinates were shared with some of the facility operators and local enforcement agencies.
Power plant leak detection and repair
In Summer of 2020, AVIRIS-NG aircraft data identified a persistent methane leak at a natural gas fired power plant in Los Angeles. The operator was notified and confirmed the leak. The operator subsequently reported that leak repairs began in early September, and we can see the impact on the methane plume in the last two images of the video below.
Toward full carbon accounting
Carbon Mapper is designed to track high-emitting methane and CO2 point sources which offers the potential to help improve accounting of the total carbon footprint of energy supply chains. The following images of the San Juan coal mine and nearby power plant provides an example of this on a local scale. In this case, methane gas is venting to the atmosphere during coal extraction (right-most inset box). Extracted coal is sent to the power plant, where CO2 is released as a byproduct of electricity generation (left box). In most cases the fuel source (a mine) and power plant are not in such close proximity as shown here but this illustrates the general concept.
We also offer a glimpse here of other (land and ocean) applications of this class of imaging spectroscopy for conservation and biodiversity management by Dr. Greg Asner and the Global Airborne Observatory team at Arizona State University. Clicking the below button links to https://gao.asu.edu/
Mapping coral reef health
in Hawaii
GAO imaging spectroscopy punches through the seawater with sunlight to reveal different coral reef communities on the seafloor in Hawaii.
Mapping forest biodiversity
in Malaysia
GAO tree biodiversity mapping reveals the stark contrast between high-diversity natural forests and monocultures of oil palm plantation trees in Malaysia.
Mapping drought impacts in California
GAO imaging spectroscopy sees water in plant canopies, revealing the most vulnerable species during the last California drought.
Mapping biodiversity
in Peru
GAO biodiversity mapping starts with high-quality spectral measurements that are fed into a processing stream with outputs of the richness and abundance of species across this Amazonian landscape.