Global Representation of Aerosol Vertical Structure and PM2.5 Concentrations from Satellite

Aaron van Donkelaar1, Randall Martin2 and Brian Boys2, (1)Dalhousie University, Dept Physics & Atmospheric Science, Halifax, NS, Canada, (2)Dalhousie University, Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Halifax, NS, Canada
Abstract:
Aerosol vertical profiles from chemical transport models (CTMs) allow satellite retrievals of aerosol optical depth (AOD) to be globally related to near-surface fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations. The CALIOP space-borne lidar provides global retrieval of extinction profiles that offer valuable insight into the accuracy of the CTM aerosol profiles, and can improve our understanding of a major source of uncertainty in satellite-derived PM2.5. Attention is also needed to the complete evolution of aerosol properties affecting the AOD to PM2.5 relationship. Satellite-derived PM2.5 estimates produced by this method now span more than a decade and provide unprecedented insight into the spatial and temporal distribution of PM2.5 and its health impact.
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