China is the world's largest anthropogenic methane (CH₄) emitter. This study uses the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) coupled with a GHG module and satellite-constrained emissions to simulate CH₄ distribution in East Asia (2017). Model evaluation showed reliable performance. Four proper orthogonal decomposition (POD)-based sensor placement algorithms were compared; the QR pivot algorithm showed superiority in capturing high CH₄ concentrations. Current CH₄ sampling underrepresents high-concentration areas, leading to reconstruction errors. Optimal planning with 160 sensors (guided by the QR pivot algorithm) yields reasonable reconstruction performance and cost-effectiveness. Results offer valuable guidance for future CH₄ monitoring site planning in China.

Xiaorui Zhang, Chenhong Zhou, Yuzhong Zhang, Xiao Lu, Xiang Xiao, Fan Wang, Jun Song, Yike Guo, Kenneth K. M. Leung, Junji Cao, Meng Gao