Satellite observations of NOx and VOC emissions from fires

Abstract:

We present estimates of NO_x, formaldehyde, and glyoxal emissions from biomass burning events derived from enhancements measured by OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument). Emissions from biomass burning can vary greatly both regionally and from event to event, but previous work has been unable to fully explain this variability. Satellite observations from OMI offer a powerful tool to observe biomass burning events by providing observations globally over a range of environmental conditions that effect emissions of NO_x, formaldehyde, and glyoxal. We will expand on previous studies by using OMI measurements to investigate not only the dependence of the emissions of each of these species on fire intensity but also the dependence of the ratios of these species. Fire intensity is quantified by using fire radiative power quantified by the MODIS (Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectrometer) satellite instrument. We also account for variation of emissions and their ratios due to available fuel loading and fire types, which are affected by regional (e.g. biome type) and meteorological (e.g. wind, temperature, rainfall) factors. Furthermore, in individual case studies we will constrain how the chemical processing of primary fire emissions effects the secondary formation of VOCs and ozone by exploiting the temporal and spatial evolution of these interspecies relationships.