Global Mean Methane Hits 1810 ppb - 12 ppb above 2013

During the last few weeks, global mean methane levels have been creeping higher than 2013. On April 27, 2014, 0-12 hrs, the global mean methane concentration hit 1810 ppb at 469 mb, which is 12 ppb higher than last year for the same date and time.

The same level in 2013 was not reached until July 31st. To demonstrate the change, here is the April 27, 2013 highest global mean reading which was at 586 mb. The 2014 readings follow.

The primary contributors to the 2014 increase seem to be the early snow melt in Scandinavia and Siberia, and the anomalously high temperatures in China, which may be boosting methane production in thawed soils. The April 27, 2014 image is below.

Another factor is the increased release of CO from the fires in South East Asia, which may be using up OH, and a factor in CH4 increase. The highest Carbon Monoxide readings from the fires on April 27, 2014, 0-12 hrs follow.

If the Siberian heat continues into May, the potential for a significant increase in methane through the rest of 2014 is very probable.