Plume retrievals and transitioning to a higher altitude platform using the hyperspectral thermal emission spectrometer (HyTES)(Conference Presentation)

The Hyperspectral Thermal Emission Spectrometer (HyTES) is an airborne sensor capable of detecting trace gas emissions from sources on the ground. These sources may be a product of some process such as generating electricity or they could be unintentional leaks from pipelines or gas storage facilities. Emissions such as methane (CH4), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3) are within its demonstrated capability. It typically flies low to the ground (altitude of 1000 to 1200m) in a Twin Otter Aircraft and captures a wide swath nearly 1km wide. Its spatial resolution is a few meters which is sharp enough to capture roof tops, large trucks, pipelines and other relevant features. It doesn’t rely on the sun for observations so could fly both nighttime and daytime campaigns. Recently, HyTES flew over the Southern California Gas leak in Porter Ranch, California. Its capability was in full display with large, overflowing plumes emanating from numerous sources. We will discuss the instrument, calibration techniques, lessons learned and plume retrievals.