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Satellite Observations for Detecting and Tracking Changes in Atmospheric Composition
Citation:
Neil, D., S. Kondragunta, K. Pickering, R. W. PINDER, G. Osterman, AND J. SZYKMAN. Satellite Observations for Detecting and Tracking Changes in Atmospheric Composition. EM: AIR AND WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION'S MAGAZINE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGERS. Air & Waste Management Association, Pittsburgh, PA, (10/2009):13-15, (2009).
Impact/Purpose:
The National Exposure Research Laboratory′s (NERL′s) Atmospheric Modeling Division (AMD) conducts research in support of EPA′s mission to protect human health and the environment. AMD′s research program is engaged in developing and evaluating predictive atmospheric models on all spatial and temporal scales for forecasting the Nation′s air quality and for assessing changes in air quality and air pollutant exposures, as affected by changes in ecosystem management and regulatory decisions. AMD is responsible for providing a sound scientific and technical basis for regulatory policies based on air quality models to improve ambient air quality. The models developed by AMD are being used by EPA, NOAA, and the air pollution community in understanding and forecasting not only the magnitude of the air pollution problem, but also in developing emission control policies and regulations for air quality improvements.
Description:
The international scientific community's Integrated Global Atmosphere Chemistry Observation System report outlined a plan for ground-based, airborne and satellite Measurements, and models to integrate the observations into a 4-dimensional representation of the atmosphere (space and time) to support assessment and policy information needs. This plan is being carried out under the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). Demonstrations of such an integrated capability provide new understanding of the changing atmosphere and link policy decisions to benefits for society. In this paper, we highlight the use of satellite data to constrain biomass burning emissions, to assess NOx emission reductions, and to contribute to State Implementation Plans, as examples of the use of satellite observations for detecting and tracking changes in atmospheric composition.
URLs/Downloads:
Satellite Observations for Detecting and Tracking Changes in Atmospheric Composition (PDF, NA pp, 1936 KB, about PDF)EM
