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

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 (PM_2.5) 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 PM_2.5. Attention is also needed to the complete evolution of aerosol properties affecting the AOD to PM_2.5 relationship. Satellite-derived PM_2.5 estimates produced by this method now span more than a decade and provide unprecedented insight into the spatial and temporal distribution of PM_2.5 and its health impact.