The focus of our research is understanding the temporal and spatial distribution of greenhouse gases (primarily carbon dioxide and methane) in the atmosphere, and relating these distributions to sources and sinks of these gases.Our research group makes measurements of the concentrations of these gases on towers and uses weather models to relate them to emissions. Atmospheric methods such as these are complementary to the traditional inventory approach, allowing an independent assessment of emissions.
Beginning in 2010, our group has been making measurements of the urban greenhouse gas emissions from the city of Indianapolis. The long-term goal of this project is to support policymakers in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We have also studied agricultural carbon dioxide fluxes in the U.S. Midwest, forest fluxes in the U.S. Southeast, and methane emissions due to unconventional drilling of oil and natural gas in Pennsylvania and Texas/New Mexico.
Through these projects we aim to contribute to answering such questions as:
(Photo: N. Miles)
