The net rate of CH4 emissions is generally estimated from three approaches: (1) extrapolation from direct flux measurements and observations, (2) process - based modelling (bottom - up approach) and (3) inverse modelling that relies on spatially distributed, temporally continuous observations of concentration, and in
some cases isotopic composition in the atmosphere (top - down approach).
This temperature curve, established using an
isotopic thermometer, is widely applied for reconstruction of past environmental conditions and in this
case, is based on the
isotopic composition of the oxygen contained in the fossilised remains of fossil marine fish (bone, teeth, scales).