Daphne Meidan: Iron-based interventions for methane reduction and climate mitigation

Abstract:

Controlling atmospheric methane (CH4) is crucial for addressing climate change. This study investigates the potential of a novel intervention involving the addition of iron aerosols to enhance molecular chlorine production and reduce methane levels. Utilizing the Community Earth System Model (CESM), we explore the intricate relationship between iron emissions, chlorine production, and their impact on methane abundance. Our results reveal significant regional variations in global methane removal efficiency, with the North Pacific and North Atlantic demonstrating the most substantial methane reduction. However, trade-offs emerge as increased iron aerosols contribute to higher radiative forcing, offsetting the radiative benefits from lower methane and tropospheric ozone. This study highlights the complexity and uncertainties associated with iron aerosols as a methane mitigation strategy, including a nonlinear response requiring 2.5 times higher iron concentrations compared to current combustion sources of iron in order to effectively remove methane. Our findings underscore the importance of understanding both positive and negative implications before implementing such strategies.

Bio:

I am a postdoctoral associate at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), working with Prof. Alfonso Saiz-Lopez. I recently finished a postdoctoral training at Cornell University, working in the research group of Prof. Natalie Mahowald and Prof. Peter Hess. I hold a PhD in Chemistry from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, where I specialized in the chemical reactions of nitrogen oxides, gas-to-aerosol phase interactions, and tropospheric ozone.In my current research, I focus on understanding the intricate iron aerosol-chlorine reactions and their impact on methane removal from the atmosphere. Utilizing the global climate model, Community Earth System Model (CESM), I aim to investigate the complex relationship between these reactions and their effect on methane concentrations.