Context and objectives
African lakes represent 66% of the tropical lake surface area, yet remain “among the least studied” for CO₂ and CH₄ emissions. Current global estimates are uncertain because they rely on sparse in situ data. ARTEMISIA aims to deliver a pan African EO based framework for quantifying lake GHG emissions for lakes >0.1 km². Its objectives include improving EO derived water quality products (Chl a, CDOM, TSM), preparing for new satellite missions, modelling CO₂/CH₄ emissions at local and continental scales, and identifying key environmental drivers.
The overall objective of the ARTEMESIA project is to improve our knowledge about the spatio-temporal variability of greenhouse gas (CO2 and CH4) emissions at pan-African scale. Specific objectives are:
- O1: To enhance the retrieval of EO-derived water quality products for Chl-a, CDOM and TSM for tropical African lakes (>0.1 km²).
- O2: To prepare for the use of new satellite missions for improved water quality and greenhouse gas monitoring.
- O3: To estimate CO2 and CH4 emissions at local (2 local case studies) and African scale based on modelling using EO data as input.
- O4: To understand the drivers of water quality and CO2 and CH4 emissions at local scale (Tanganyika basin (i.e., Lake Tanganyika & optional Kivu) and Lake Victoria case studies).
- O5: To understand the key drivers of CO2 and CH4 emissions at the pan-African level.
