CO2 and CH4 Urban Plume over a Mediterranean Semi-Natural Site in the Iberian Peninsula.

Abstract

CO2 and CH4 emissions are the two most significant greenhouse gas emissions in Spain. The current study analyzed the influence of a city urban plume over the final CO2 and CH4 mixing ratio values recorded at the Low Atmosphere Research Centre (CIB station), in the North of Spain. The measuring campaign lasted five and a half years, from 15 October 2010. CO2 and CH4 transport was analyzed through mixing ratio data obtained with a Picarro G1301 analyzer, which is based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy. Wind direction data were obtained at 2-m height. 16-wind direction sectors were considered. CO2 and CH4 detrended mixing ratios above the 90th percentiles were then calculated for each wind sector. Greater values in the southern sectors highlighted the influence of the nearby city of Valladolid, located approximately 24 km southeast. Faster growth in the southern sectors was found, since around 2.51 ppm year-1 (CO2) and 9.33 ppb year-1 (CH4) were obtained compared to 2.36 ppm year-1 (CO2) and 9.03 ppb year-1 (CH4) for the remaining sectors. Finally, 96-h backward air trajectories prior to reaching the CIB station were obtained with the METEX model at 500-m height a.g.l. Results showed a prevailing Atlantic origin of the masses, which finally impacted on the southern sectors, dragging pollutants from this area. The importance of the methodology used here lies in its easy and plausible application for other gases.