Region-dependent seasonal pattern of methane over Indian region as observed by SCIAMACHY

The column averaged mixing ratio of methane (XCH4) from SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY) on-board satellite ENVISAT has been used to study its regional pattern and seasonal cycle over Indian region for the period 2003-2009. XCH4 varies from 1740 to 1890 ppbv over Indian region with distinct spatial and temporal features. The peak values are observed in monsoon and post monsoon and minimum in winter months, except over southern Peninsular India which shows the distinctly different seasonal behavior with peak in October/November. The mean background level of XCH4 over Indian region is estimated as ∼1795 ppbv. While regional patterns are strongly associated with livestock distribution, wetland emissions, including rice fields, the seasonal variations in XCH4 are predominantly associated with the rice cultivation as revealed by analysis of NDVI.