Author(s)

V. Simon, L. Dumergues & L.Torres

Abstract

A natural emission inventory of methane (CH4), one of the main greenhouse gases, was carried out in the frame of the ESCOMPTE project. The algorithms used for calculation are mainly based on the CORINAIR [1] and the IPCC methodology [2]. Methane emission is estimated for the year 1999 at 10.3Tg in the ESCOMPTE area which represents one of the main natural sources of emissions with dimethylsulfide (DMS) from the sea, carbon dioxide (CO2) from forest fires, and the Non Methanic Volatile Organic Compounds from vegetation. Natural methane emissions, around 43% of the total CH4 emission, are dominated mainly by the animals and wetlands contribution. They are located in the west of the area. Soils constitute a sink (about 1Tg) that does n

Keywords