East Asia: A Region of Superlatives in Changing Global Atmospheric Composition

Abstract:

Satellite remote sensing offers a powerful data source to inform East Asian air quality, and to place that information in a global context. Chemical transport models play a critical role in relating those observations of the atmospheric column to ground-level concentrations. Satellite-based estimates of ground-level fine-particulate matter (PM_2.5) and NO₂ indicate dramatic variation and trends, with implications for public health. The GOCI geostationary satellite instrument provides unprecedented temporal resolution over East Asia. An emerging ground-based aerosol network (SPARTAN) offers valuable measurements to understand the relationship between satellite observations of aerosol optical depth and ground-level PM_2.5 concentrations. This talk will highlight recent advances and future opportunities in combining satellite remote sensing, chemical transport modeling, and ground-based measurements to improve understanding of East Asian air quality, and to place that information in a global context.