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Project Code [2011-CCRP-MS-1.5]
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Project title
Verification of sources and sinks of Irish greenhouse Gases
Primary Funding Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)
Lead Applicant
Colin O'Dowd
Project Abstract
This proposal addresses the issue of independent verification of Ireland�s green house gas (GHG) emissions (CH4 and CO2) through the use of state of the art inverse modelling techniques. Input from a high frequency measurement network (3 sites) will be combined with apriori data (from national inventories, a dynamic vegetation model and an ocean model) and a Lagrangian Particle Dispersion Model (FLEXPART). An analytical inversion is then performed. This Bayesian inversion considers uncertainties for the a priori and the observations as well as an iterative algorithm for ensuring a solution with only positive values. In combination with a quantification of the uncertainties of both unknowns and observations this leads to a corresponding cost function being minimised. This cost function considers misfit model observations, deviation from the a priori values, standard errors of the observations and standard errors of the a priori values to give national estimates. These top down estimates will then be used to verify bottom up national emission inventories as well as being interrogated with respect to recently published biome flux data to gain further understanding of sources and sinks. A box model method will be used in conjunction with Ozone, LIDAR and GHG�s to measure emission fluxes.
Grant Approved
�164,282.53
Research Hub
Climate Change
Research Theme
Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Sinks, and Management Systems
Initial Projected Completion Date
31/12/2013