Title: Designing optimal greenhouse gas observing networks that consider performance and cost

Abstract

Emission rates of greenhouse gases (GHGs) entering into the atmosphere can be inferred using mathematical inverse approaches that combine observations from a network of stations with forward atmospheric transport models. Some locations for collecting observations are better than others for constraining GHG emissions through the inversion, but the best locations for the inversion may be inaccessible or limited by economic and other non-scientific factors. We present a method to design an optimal GHG observing network in the presence of multiple objectives that may be in conflict with each other. As a demonstration, we use our method to design a prototype network of six stations to monitor summertime emissions in California of the potent GHG 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CH₂FCF₃, HFC-134a). We use a multiobjective genetic algorithm to evolve network configurations that seek to jointly maximize the scientific accuracy of the inferred HFC-134a emissions and minimize the associated costs of making the measurements. The genetic algorithm effectively determines a set of "optimal" observing networks for HFC-134a that satisfy both objectives (i.e., the Pareto frontier). The Pareto frontier is convex, and clearly shows the tradeoffs between performance and cost, and the diminishing returns in trading one for the other. Without difficulty, our method can bemore » extended to design optimal networks to monitor two or more GHGs with different emissions patterns, or to incorporate other objectives and constraints that are important in the practical design of atmospheric monitoring networks.« less

Authors:

Lucas, D. D.; Yver Kwok, C. ;

• Search DOE PAGES for author "Yver Kwok, C."
• Search DOE PAGES for ORCID "0000-0002-2181-2863"

Cameron-Smith, P. ;

• Search DOE PAGES for author "Cameron-Smith, P."
• Search DOE PAGES for ORCID "0000-0002-8802-8627"

Graven, H.; Bergmann, D.; Guilderson, T. P.; Weiss, R.; Keeling, R.

Publication Date:

Tue Jun 16 00:00:00 EDT 2015

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1229780

Grant/Contract Number:  

PLS-14ERD006; 07ERD064

Resource Type:

Published Article

Journal Name:

Geoscientific Instrumentation, Methods and Data Systems (Online)

Additional Journal Information:

Journal Name: Geoscientific Instrumentation, Methods and Data Systems (Online) Journal Volume: 4 Journal Issue: 1; Journal ID: ISSN 2193-0864

Publisher:

Copernicus Publications, EGU

Country of Publication:

Germany

Language:

English