High-resolution global databases on the geographic and seasonal distribution of rice cultivation and associated methane emission, compiled by Matthews et al. (1991), have been archived for public use. These data were developed to evaluate the role of rice cultivation in the annual emission of methane from terrestrial sources. The databases represent an integration of extensive information on the cultivation of rice in all 103 rice-producing countries of the world and reflect conditions for 1984.

The suite of 1-degree latitude/longitude resolution databases includes locations of rice cultivation, monthly arrays of actively growing rice areas, countries and political subdivisions, and monthly arrays of methane emission from rice cultivation.