Observation of GHG vertical profile in the boundary layer of the Mount Qomolangma region using a multirotor UAV

Abstract. Understanding the vertical profile of greenhouse gases (GHGs) is crucial for elucidating their sources and sinks, transport pathways, and influence on Earth’s radiative balance, as well as for enhancing predictive capabilities for climate change. Remote sensing methods for measuring vertical GHG profiles often involve substantial uncertainties, while in-situ measurements are limited by high equipment costs and operational expenses, rendering them impractical for long-term continuous observation efforts. In this study, we have developed an automatic low-cost and user-friendly multi-altitude atmospheric sampling device designed for small and medium-sized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), balloons, and other flight platforms. A field campaign was carried out in the Mount Qomolangma region, at an average surface altitude of 4300 m above sea level (a.s.l.). In total, we conducted 15 flights with 139 samples from the ground surface up to a height of 1215 m using the device mounted on a hexacopter UAV platform. The samples were analyzed using the Angilent gas chromatography (GC) 7890A, and the vertical profiles of four GHG species (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, and SF₆) were archived. The new data depict the vertical distribution of GHGs in the boundary layer of the Mount Qomolangma region.