Overview of Model Systems for Global Carbon Dioxide and Methane Flux Estimates Using GOSAT and GOSAT-2 Observations

Observational data acquired by satellites are at present a valuable tool for exploring the global carbon cycle. A key element of satellite observations is their high-frequency and global coverage, which can compensate for gaps in surface observation networks. The Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) and its successor GOSAT-2 are designed to measure atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) so as to estimate their sources and sinks on subcontinental scales. This commentary gives an overview of the frameworks for estimating global surface CO2 and CH4 fluxes using GOSAT and GOSAT-2 observations.