A team of UK scientists have used the FAAM aircraft to take the most detailed measurements yet of the methane in the skies over tropical Africa. Researchers have been investigating a mysterious spike in atmospheric concentrations of methane, which began in 2007.
Early results suggest Africa is playing a major, yet poorly documented, role in the global methane cycle. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, which can be emitted from wetlands, burning farm field and flatulent livestock.
International journal Nature have published a news article covering the recent flights.