Satellite-based Estimates of Aerosol Optical Depth and Particulate Matter

Image via WikipediaWhat Can Affect AOD–PM2.5 Association? ( 2 page pdf, Environ Health Perspect,  Mar.1, 2010)

Also discussed here: Limitations of Remotely Sensed Aerosol as a Spatial Proxy for Fine Particulate Matter (6 page pdf, Environ Health Perspect, June 2009)

Key Quotes:

“The columnar measurement of AODS consists of aerosols generated by anthropogenic (human) sources …is influenced by moving large air masses and observes a strong spatial and temporal structure.”

“The concentration of PM2.5, however, can vary significantly within short distances. Therefore, there is a significant mismatch in the magnitude and extent of spatial and temporal variability of AODSn and AODS”

“Recent literature suggests that 1-km and 5-km AODS observe a significantly better association with PM2.5 monitored on the ground than the 10-km AODS”