Chapter 5: Advantages and Limitations of using Satellite Tools for Air Quality Analysis 3:45 – 4:00

Limitations of using Satellite Tools for Air Quality Analysis Lack of specificity about some pollutants: PM2.5 and NO2 are quantitative in some areas SO2 is qualitative Spatial and temporal resolution of available satellite data are not appropriate for some applications. Polar-orbiting satellites make at most 1-2 observations per day Some applications require very high spatial resolution (e.g., 1 m, 10 m) – need to purchase high resolution data Gaps in near real-time data sometimes occur, due to lags in processing

Limitations of using Satellite Tools for Air Quality Analysis Polar-orbiting satellites sometimes have missing data due to non-overlapping swaths in Tropics. Clouds block the measurement of many satellite products, making them essentially unavailable during the Mesoamerican rainy season.

Advantages of using Satellite Tools for Air Quality Analysis Information about the horizontal transport of pollutants on short and long timescales Advance warning of impending air quality events, especially wildfires and dust storms Air quality information in areas where there are no ground-based monitors

Advantages of using Satellite Tools for Air Quality Analysis Especially powerful when combined with other data, such as ground-based monitor measurements A quick and easy way to keep track of regional air quality Provides visual appeal for the public and policymakers smoke fires