|
The atmospheric pollutants are increasing with the increase in industrial activities. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified six criteria pollutants: CO, NO2, SO2, O3, Lead and Particulates (Aerosols). Also, Nitrogen oxides, Carbon monoxide, Methane, Formaldehyde and other hydrocarbons are known to be precursors for the tropospheric ozone and smog.
Monitoring of air pollutant sources and study of transport of pollutants to long distances is a major task for the environmental agencies in maintaining the air quality standards. Satellite measurements have been tracking the air pollutants since last thirty years and have provided useful information to the air quality modelers and forecaster. Some of these measurements are listed below.
| Atmospheric Pollutants |
Measuring Sensors |
| Aerosols Particles |
MODIS, MISR, OMI , TOMS, HALOE, GOME, SCIAMACHY, POLDER, CALIPSO, AVHRR, and More |
| Ozone (O3) |
OMI, TOMS, SBUV, MLS, HALOE, GOME, SCIAMACHY, ACE-FTS, and More |
| Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) |
OMI, HIRDLS, TES, LIMS, CLAES, ISAMS, HALOE, ACE-FTS, GOME, SCIAMACHY |
| Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) |
OMI, AIRS, SCIAMACHY |
| Carbon Monoxide (CO) |
MLS, TES, AIRS, ISAMS, MOPITT, ACE-FTS, SCIAMACHY |
| Formaldehyde (HCHO) |
OMI, GOME,SCIAMACHY |
| Methane (CH4) |
AIRS, HIRDLS, TES, CLAES , ISAMS, HALOE, ACE-FTS, MIPAS, SCIAMACHY |
|
 |
Atmos Composition
