Application of Monitoring Methods for Remote Detection of Atmospheric CO2 - Concentration Levels during a Back-Production Test at the Ketzin Pilot Site☆

Abstract Reliable detection and assessment of near-surface CO 2 leakages from storage formations requires the integration of various atmospheric monitoring techniques. In October 2014 at the Ketzin pilot site, formerly injected CO 2 was retrieved from the reservoir and vented to the atmosphere (“back-production experiment”). This experiment was accompanied by atmospheric monitoring methods applying meteorological approaches and ground-based optical remote sensing techniques. The main aims of the atmospheric monitoring were: a) observation of gas dispersion in lower atmosphere, b) determination of maximum CO 2 concentration and c) identification of the main challenges associated with the monitoring using field set up under typical environmental conditions.