Methane emissions from 2000 to 2011 wildfires in Northeast Eurasia estimated with MODIS burned area data

Estimates of methane wildfire emissions from Northeast Eurasia for years 2000–2011 are reported on the basis of satellite burned area data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS MCD45 data product) and ecosystem-dependent fire emission parameters. Average (with standard deviations) emissions are 1.0 ± 0.2 Tg CH4 year−1, with interannual variations of 0.4–2.3 Tg CH4 year−1. Most of the emissions are located within 48–55°N, in the southern part of the boreal forest zone, mostly in Siberia and Far East. The largest discrepancies among independent present-day estimates are found in the sub-polar regions of West Siberia and Far East (60–65°N). Compared to the methane wetland emissions reported in literature, the wildfire emissions in the south add about 5–20% to their estimated average annual values and are compared with the magnitudes of their interannual variability. Average seasonal cycle peaks in April–May and July–August, which partially overlaps the summertime peak in wetland emissions. The independent estimates from version 3 of Global Fire Emissions Database (GFED3) are by 50% higher (compared to this study) for average annual emissions over the decade (which is quite good regarding the uncertainties) and showed larger differences for individual years. Possible applications of the results are considered for climate research and inverse modeling studies, as well as for assessment of the uncertainties in the present-day wildfire emission estimates.

► Methane wildfire emissions are estimated and compared to independent results.
► Within 48–55°N, wildfires may add 5–20% annually to wetland emissions.
► At higher latitudes, the present-day estimates are most variable (uncertain).
► Observations of atmospheric methane in 30–60°N are required for further refinement.