ESA Greenhouse Gases Climate Change Initiative (GHG_cci): Column-averaged CH4 Merged Product generated with the EMMA algorithm (CH4_EMMA), version 1.2

The CH4_EMMA dataset is comprised of level 2, column-averaged dry-air mole fractions (mixing ratios) for methane (XCH4). It has been produced using the ensemble median algorithm EMMA to several different versions of the Japanes Greenhouse gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) XCH4 data, as part of the ESA Greenhouse Gases Climate Change Initiative (GHG_cci) project. This version of the product is v1.2, and forms part of the Climate Research Data Package 4.The ensemble median algorithm EMMA has been applied to level 2 data of several different retrieval products from the Japanese Greenhouse gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) This is therefore a merged GOSAT XCH4 Level 2 product, which is primarily used as a comparison tool to assess the level of agreement / disagreement of the various input products (for model-independent global comparison, i.e. for comparisons not restricted to TCCON validation sites and independent of global model data). For further information on the product and the EMMA algorithm please see the EMMA website, the GHG-CCI Data Products webpage or the Product Validation and Intercomparison Report (PVIR).