Methane line parameters in HITRAN

Abstract Two editions of the methane line parameters (line positions, intensities and broadening coefficients) available from HITRAN in 2000 and 2001 are described. In both versions, the spectral interval covered was the same (from 0.01 to 6184.5 cm −1 ), but the database increased from 48,033 transitions in 2000 to 211,465 lines in 2001 because weaker transitions of 12 CH 4 and new bands of 13 CH 4 and CH3D were included. The newer list became available in 2001 in the “Update” section of HITRAN. The sources of information are described, and the prospects for future improvements are discussed.