Artificial Intelligence for the Methane Cycle Workshop Report

• Print Publication: March 2024
• Workshop Dates: March 3, 10, 17, 24, 2023
• Report Download: Fast-download PDF
• Report Download: Print-quality PDF

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and related advanced statistical approaches stand to accelerate progress toward scientific grand challenge goals by shifting the scientific research paradigm. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Biological and Environmental Research (BER) program is exploring opportunities and challenges presented by this emerging research approach.

In March 2023, BER sponsored the Artificial Intelligence for the Methane Cycle (AI4CH₄) virtual workshop. Participants discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can advance scientific understanding associated with the methane cycle—an important aspect of the global Earth system with feedbacks to biological systems and climate.

The AI4CH₄ workshop identified key opportunities for AI application to methane cycle research across a range of spatial and temporal scales:

1. Enhance observation and experimentation.
2. Add contextual data to existing datasets.
3. Expand the findability and usability of data.
4. Optimize sampling strategies and experimental design.
5. Develop and support scientific workflows.

Suggested Citation: U.S. DOE. 2024. Artificial Intelligence for the Methane Cycle, DOE/SC-0213. U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science. https://doi.org/10.2172/2204972.