Latitudinal fluctuation in global concentration of CO2 and CH4 from shortwave infrared spectral observation by GOSAT during COVID-19

Abstract

Various countries have rapidly implemented strict actions to slow the blowout of COVID-19. Many events were dis-regarded, and anthropogenic activities such as industrial and transport systems were at a stoppage. Many countries were on lockdown, including the largest emitters of carbon dioxide. Due to these lockdowns, anthropogenic activities have been reduced and reported that air quality improves at a regional scale in many countries, including India. Therefore, the current study using Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT/IBUKI) datasets to monitor the fluctuation of the average global concentration of dry mole fractions of atmospheric Methane (CH₄) and Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) during these pandemic lockdowns from January to June 2020. Outputs emphasize no significant reduction in the average concentration of dry mole fractions of atmospheric CH₄ over the globe, but a minor reduction was observed in global CO₂ engagement. The average concentration of both gases compares at each ten-degree latitude. The study reveals that, against the regional breakdowns, these short time lockdowns are not enough to control the concentration of these greenhouse gases at a larger scale, such as 10˚ latitude and globally, except for a minor reduction in CO₂ concentration.