Articles | Volume 21, issue 11
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-9047-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-9047-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Measurement report
| 
15 Jun 2021
Measurement report |
| 15 Jun 2021
Measurement report: An assessment of the impact of a nationwide lockdown on air pollution – a remote sensing perspective over India
Mahesh Pathakoti
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Earth and Climate Sciences Area (ECSA), National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Hyderabad-500037, India
Aarathi Muppalla
Bhuvan Geoportal and Data Dissemination Area, NRSC, ISRO, Hyderabad-500037, India
Sayan Hazra
Department of Computer Science, School of Engineering & Technology, Pondicherry University, Chinna Kalapet, Kalapet, Puducherry-605014, India
Mahalakshmi D. Venkata
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Earth and Climate Sciences Area (ECSA), National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Hyderabad-500037, India
Kanchana A. Lakshmi
Earth and Climate Sciences Area (ECSA), National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Hyderabad-500037, India
Vijay K. Sagar
Earth and Climate Sciences Area (ECSA), National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Hyderabad-500037, India
Raja Shekhar
Bhuvan Geoportal and Data Dissemination Area, NRSC, ISRO, Hyderabad-500037, India
Srinivasulu Jella
Earth and Climate Sciences Area (ECSA), National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Hyderabad-500037, India
Sesha Sai M. V. Rama
Earth and Climate Sciences Area (ECSA), National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Hyderabad-500037, India
Uma Vijayasundaram
Department of Computer Science, School of Engineering & Technology, Pondicherry University, Chinna Kalapet, Kalapet, Puducherry-605014, India
Related authors
Mahesh Pathakoti, Aarathi Muppalla, Sayan Hazra, Mahalakshmi Dangeti, Raja Shekhar, Srinivasulu Jella, Sesha Sai Mullapudi, Prasad Andugulapati, and Uma Vijayasundaram
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2020-621, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2020-621, 2020
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
Present work carried out analysis of Air pollution over the Indian region in connection with nation's lockdown due to outbreak of COVID-19. We studied air pollutants namely NO2, CO and AOD using the remote sensing data. During the exhaustive 40 days of lock down in India, we observed significant reduction in air pollutants during lock down period compared to no lock down period. This study further shows the effect of lock down on short-term climatological variability of these pollutants.
Mahesh Pathakoti, Sreenivas Gaddamidi, Biswadip Gharai, Sesha Sai Mullapudi Venkata Rama, Rajan Kumar Sundaran, and Wei Wang
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2019-7, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2019-7, 2019
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
Present study retrieved improved dry column averaged concentrations of CO2, CH4, CO and N2O using Solar Spectra over the Shadnagar region of India using GFIT model. It is the only site which is equipped with FTIR 125M for measuring the solar spectra to retrieve the precise column GHG while meeting the TCCON standards. Present study also attempted preliminary validation of satellite retrieved column averaged concentrations of CO2 and CO against ground-based FTIR retrieved concentrations.
Pathakoti Mahesh, Gaddamidi Sreenivas, Pamaraju Venkata Narasimha Rao, and Vinay Kumar Dadhwal
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2016-177, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2016-177, 2016
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
The present study reports Column averaged concentration of CO2 over Shadnagar using Sun's spectra measured by ground based FTIR spectrometer. It is first of its kind in India for measuring columnar and vertical mixing ratios of atmospheric trace gases and other greenhouse gases (GHGs). In the present study, we attempted to retrieve columnar concentration and vertical profile of CO2 by utilising line-by-line radiative transfer algorithm (LBLRTA) and FASCODE3 inversion model.
Gaddamidi Sreenivas, Pathakoti Mahesh, Jose Subin, Asuri Lakshmi Kanchana, Pamaraju Venkata Narasimha Rao, and Vinay Kumar Dadhwal
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 3953–3967, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-3953-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-3953-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
This study provides systematic and scientific representation of greenhouse gases (CO2 and CH4) and its dynamics at a suburban site of India. It was required to generate reliable, highly precise, and accurate measurements of CO2 and CH4 over this part of the world. We made use of high-precision greenhouse gases measurements recorded by LGR-GGA instrument also by complementary data from remote sensing satellites as well as from automatic weather station.
Mahesh Pathakoti, Aarathi Muppalla, Sayan Hazra, Mahalakshmi Dangeti, Raja Shekhar, Srinivasulu Jella, Sesha Sai Mullapudi, Prasad Andugulapati, and Uma Vijayasundaram
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2020-621, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2020-621, 2020
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
Present work carried out analysis of Air pollution over the Indian region in connection with nation's lockdown due to outbreak of COVID-19. We studied air pollutants namely NO2, CO and AOD using the remote sensing data. During the exhaustive 40 days of lock down in India, we observed significant reduction in air pollutants during lock down period compared to no lock down period. This study further shows the effect of lock down on short-term climatological variability of these pollutants.
Mahesh Pathakoti, Sreenivas Gaddamidi, Biswadip Gharai, Sesha Sai Mullapudi Venkata Rama, Rajan Kumar Sundaran, and Wei Wang
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2019-7, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2019-7, 2019
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
Present study retrieved improved dry column averaged concentrations of CO2, CH4, CO and N2O using Solar Spectra over the Shadnagar region of India using GFIT model. It is the only site which is equipped with FTIR 125M for measuring the solar spectra to retrieve the precise column GHG while meeting the TCCON standards. Present study also attempted preliminary validation of satellite retrieved column averaged concentrations of CO2 and CO against ground-based FTIR retrieved concentrations.
Pathakoti Mahesh, Gaddamidi Sreenivas, Pamaraju Venkata Narasimha Rao, and Vinay Kumar Dadhwal
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2016-177, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2016-177, 2016
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
The present study reports Column averaged concentration of CO2 over Shadnagar using Sun's spectra measured by ground based FTIR spectrometer. It is first of its kind in India for measuring columnar and vertical mixing ratios of atmospheric trace gases and other greenhouse gases (GHGs). In the present study, we attempted to retrieve columnar concentration and vertical profile of CO2 by utilising line-by-line radiative transfer algorithm (LBLRTA) and FASCODE3 inversion model.
Gaddamidi Sreenivas, Pathakoti Mahesh, Jose Subin, Asuri Lakshmi Kanchana, Pamaraju Venkata Narasimha Rao, and Vinay Kumar Dadhwal
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 3953–3967, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-3953-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-3953-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
This study provides systematic and scientific representation of greenhouse gases (CO2 and CH4) and its dynamics at a suburban site of India. It was required to generate reliable, highly precise, and accurate measurements of CO2 and CH4 over this part of the world. We made use of high-precision greenhouse gases measurements recorded by LGR-GGA instrument also by complementary data from remote sensing satellites as well as from automatic weather station.
Related subject area
Subject: Gases | Research Activity: Remote Sensing | Altitude Range: Troposphere | Science Focus: Chemistry (chemical composition and reactions)
Estimating enhancement ratios of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide using satellite observations
Source mechanisms and transport patterns of tropospheric bromine monoxide: findings from long-term multi-axis differential optical absorption spectroscopy measurements at two Antarctic stations
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Biomass burning CO, PM and fuel consumption per unit burned area estimates derived across Africa using geostationary SEVIRI fire radiative power and Sentinel-5P CO data
Characterization of errors in satellite-based HCHO ∕ NO2 tropospheric column ratios with respect to chemistry, column-to-PBL translation, spatial representation, and retrieval uncertainties
Evaluation of transport processes over North China Plain and Yangtze River Delta using MAX-DOAS observations
Estimation of biomass burning emission of NO2 and CO from 2019–2020 Australia fires based on satellite observations
Quantifying daily NOx and CO2 emissions from Wuhan using satellite observations from TROPOMI and OCO-2
Estimation of OH in urban plumes using TROPOMI-inferred NO2 ∕ CO
Diagnosing ozone–NOx–VOC sensitivity and revealing causes of ozone increases in China based on 2013–2021 satellite retrievals
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Ground solar absorption observations of total column CO, CO2, CH4, and aerosol optical depth from California’s Sequoia Lightning Complex Fire: Emission factors and modified combustion efficiency at large scales
Peculiar COVID-19 effects in the Greater Tokyo Area revealed by spatiotemporal variabilities of tropospheric gases and light-absorbing aerosols
Mobile MAX-DOAS observations of tropospheric NO2 and HCHO during summer over the Three Rivers’ Source region in China
Quantifying NOx emissions in Egypt using TROPOMI observations
Satellite quantification of oil and natural gas methane emissions in the US and Canada including contributions from individual basins
Evaluating NOx emissions and their effect on O3 production in Texas using TROPOMI NO2 and HCHO
Investigating the global OH radical distribution using steady-state approximations and satellite data
Air quality impacts of COVID-19 lockdown measures detected from space using high spatial resolution observations of multiple trace gases from Sentinel-5P/TROPOMI
Quantifying methane emissions from the global scale down to point sources using satellite observations of atmospheric methane
Methane emissions responsible for record-breaking atmospheric methane growth rates in 2020 and 2021
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Ozone pollution during the COVID-19 lockdown in the spring of 2020 over Europe, analysed from satellite observations, in situ measurements, and models
Exploiting satellite measurements to explore uncertainties in UK bottom-up NOx emission estimates
Quantifying urban, industrial, and background changes in NO2 during the COVID-19 lockdown period based on TROPOMI satellite observations
Biomass burning pollution in the South Atlantic upper troposphere: GLORIA trace gas observations and evaluation of the CAMS model
Variability of nitrogen oxide emission fluxes and lifetimes estimated from Sentinel-5P TROPOMI observations
A new method for inferring city emissions and lifetimes of nitrogen oxides from high-resolution nitrogen dioxide observations: a model study
Quantification of CH4 emissions from waste disposal sites near the city of Madrid using ground- and space-based observations of COCCON, TROPOMI and IASI
Changes in satellite retrievals of atmospheric composition over eastern China during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic related to lockdown measures on tropospheric NO2 columns over Île-de-France
Quantification of CH4 coal mining emissions in Upper Silesia by passive airborne remote sensing observations with the Methane Airborne MAPper (MAMAP) instrument during the CO2 and Methane (CoMet) campaign
A sulfur dioxide Covariance-Based Retrieval Algorithm (COBRA): application to TROPOMI reveals new emission sources
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Cameron G. MacDonald, Jon-Paul Mastrogiacomo, Joshua L. Laughner, Jacob K. Hedelius, Ray Nassar, and Debra Wunch
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 3493–3516, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-3493-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-3493-2023, 2023
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We use three satellites measuring carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to calculate atmospheric enhancements of these gases from 27 urban areas. We calculate enhancement ratios between the species and compare those to ratios derived from four globally gridded anthropogenic emission inventories. We find that the global inventories generally underestimate CO emissions in many North American and European cities relative to our observed enhancement ratios.
Udo Frieß, Karin Kreher, Richard Querel, Holger Schmithüsen, Dan Smale, Rolf Weller, and Ulrich Platt
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 3207–3232, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-3207-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-3207-2023, 2023
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Reactive bromine compounds, emitted by the sea ice during polar spring, play an important role in the atmospheric chemistry of the coastal regions of Antarctica. We investigate the sources and impacts of reactive bromine in detail using many years of measurements at two Antarctic sites located at opposite sides of the Antarctic continent. Using a multitude of meteorological observations, we were able to identify the main triggers and source regions for reactive bromine in Antarctica.
Madison J. Shogrin, Vivienne H. Payne, Susan S. Kulawik, Kazuyuki Miyazaki, and Emily V. Fischer
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 2667–2682, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-2667-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-2667-2023, 2023
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We evaluate the spatiotemporal variability of peroxy acyl nitrates (PANs), important photochemical pollutants, over Mexico City using satellite observations. PANs exhibit a seasonal cycle that maximizes in spring. Wildfires contribute to observed interannual variability, and the satellite indicates several areas of frequent outflow. Recent changes in NOx emissions are not accompanied by changes in PANs. This work demonstrates analysis approaches that can be applied to other megacities.
Hannah M. Nguyen, Jiangping He, and Martin J. Wooster
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 2089–2118, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-2089-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-2089-2023, 2023
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This work presents novel advances in the estimation of open biomass burning emissions via the first fully "top-down" approach to exploit satellite-derived observations of fire radiative power and carbon monoxide over Africa. We produce a 16-year record of fire-generated CO emissions and dry matter consumed per unit area for Africa and evaluate these emissions estimates through their use in an atmospheric model, whose simulation output is then compared to independent satellite observations of CO.
Amir H. Souri, Matthew S. Johnson, Glenn M. Wolfe, James H. Crawford, Alan Fried, Armin Wisthaler, William H. Brune, Donald R. Blake, Andrew J. Weinheimer, Tijl Verhoelst, Steven Compernolle, Gaia Pinardi, Corinne Vigouroux, Bavo Langerock, Sungyeon Choi, Lok Lamsal, Lei Zhu, Shuai Sun, Ronald C. Cohen, Kyung-Eun Min, Changmin Cho, Sajeev Philip, Xiong Liu, and Kelly Chance
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 1963–1986, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-1963-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-1963-2023, 2023
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We have rigorously characterized different sources of error in satellite-based HCHO / NO2 tropospheric columns, a widely used metric for diagnosing near-surface ozone sensitivity. Specifically, the errors were categorized/quantified into (i) an inherent chemistry error, (ii) the decoupled relationship between columns and the near-surface concentration, (iii) the spatial representativeness error of ground satellite pixels, and (iv) the satellite retrieval errors.
Yuhang Song, Chengzhi Xing, Cheng Liu, Jinan Lin, Hongyu Wu, Ting Liu, Hua Lin, Chengxin Zhang, Wei Tan, Xiangguang Ji, Haoran Liu, and Qihua Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 1803–1824, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-1803-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-1803-2023, 2023
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Using the MAX-DOAS network, we successfully analyzed three typical transport types (regional, dust, and transboundary long-range transport), emphasizing the unique advantages provided by the network in monitoring pollutant transport. We think that our findings provide the public with a thorough understanding of pollutant transport phenomena and a reference for designing collaborative air pollution control strategies.
Nenghan Wan, Xiaozhen Xiong, Gerard J. Kluitenberg, J. M. Shawn Hutchinson, Robert Aiken, Haidong Zhao, and Xiaomao Lin
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 711–724, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-711-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-711-2023, 2023
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This study used new TROPOMI measurements of NO2 and CO to characterize regional biomass burning characteristics and efficiency. We found that the NO2 / CO emission ratio was consistent with recent studies over temperate forest fires but slightly lower in savanna vegetation fires. Our results can help identify the relative contribution of smoldering and flaming activities as well as their impacts on the regional atmospheric composition and air quality.
Qianqian Zhang, K. Folkert Boersma, Bin Zhao, Henk Eskes, Cuihong Chen, Haotian Zheng, and Xingying Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 551–563, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-551-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-551-2023, 2023
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We developed an improved superposition column model and used the latest released (v2.3.1) TROPOMI satellite NO2 observations to estimate daily city-scale NOx and CO2 emissions. The results are verified against bottom-up emissions and OCO-2 XCO2 observations. We obtained the day-to-day variation of city NOx and CO2 emissions, allowing policymakers to gain real-time information on spatial–temporal emission patterns and the effectiveness of carbon and nitrogen regulation in urban environments.
Srijana Lama, Sander Houweling, K. Folkert Boersma, Ilse Aben, Hugo A. C. Denier van der Gon, and Maarten C. Krol
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 16053–16071, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-16053-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-16053-2022, 2022
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Hydroxyl radical (OH) is the important chemical species that determines the lifetime of some greenhouse gases and trace gases. OH plays a vital role in air pollution chemistry. OH has a short lifetime and is extremely difficult to measure directly. OH concentrations derived from the chemistry transport model (CTM) have uncertainties of >50 %. Therefore, in this study, OH is derived indirectly using satellite date in urban plumes.
Jie Ren, Fangfang Guo, and Shaodong Xie
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 15035–15047, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-15035-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-15035-2022, 2022
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O3–NOx–VOC sensitivity in China is diagnosed by deriving regional satellite HCHO / NO2 thresholds between O3 production regimes. VOC-limited regimes are found widely over megacity clusters and developed cities. VOCs and NOx emissions are tracked with satellite HCHO and NO2 to evaluate O3 responses to precursors changes. The significant reduction in NOx emissions without effective VOC control since the Clean Air Action Plan in 2013 is responsible for the increase in O3 concentrations in China.
Dien Wu, Junjie Liu, Paul O. Wennberg, Paul I. Palmer, Robert R. Nelson, Matthäus Kiel, and Annmarie Eldering
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 14547–14570, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-14547-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-14547-2022, 2022
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Prior studies have derived the combustion efficiency for a region/city using observed CO2 and CO. We further zoomed into the urban domain and accounted for factors affecting the calculation of spatially resolved combustion efficiency from two satellites. The intra-city variability in combustion efficiency was linked to heavy industry within Shanghai and LA without relying on emission inventories. Such an approach can be applied when analyzing data from future geostationary satellites.
Beatriz Herrera, Alejandro Bezanilla, Thomas Blumenstock, Enrico Dammers, Frank Hase, Lieven Clarisse, Adolfo Magaldi, Claudia Rivera, Wolfgang Stremme, Kimberly Strong, Camille Viatte, Martin Van Damme, and Michel Grutter
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 14119–14132, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-14119-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-14119-2022, 2022
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This work investigates atmospheric ammonia (NH3), a key trace gas with consequences for the environment and human health, in Mexico City. The results from the ground-based and satellite instruments show the variability and spatial distribution of NH3 over this region. NH3 in Mexico City has been increasing for the past 10 years and most of its sources are urban. This work contributes to a better understanding of NH3 sources and variability in urban and remote areas.
Hervé Petetin, Marc Guevara, Steven Compernolle, Dene Bowdalo, Pierre-Antoine Bretonnière, Santiago Enciso, Oriol Jorba, Franco Lopez, Albert Soret, and Carlos Pérez García-Pando
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-1056, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-1056, 2022
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This study analyses the potential of the TROPOMI space sensor for monitoring the variability of NO2 pollution over the Iberian Peninsula. A reduction of NO2 levels is observed during the weekend and in summer, especially over most urbanized areas, in agreement with surface observations. An enhancement of NO2 is found during summer with TROPOMI over croplands, potentially related to natural soil NO emissions, which illustrates the outstanding value of TROPOMI for complementing surface networks.
Isis Frausto-Vicencio, Sajjan Heerah, Aaron G. Meyer, Harrison A. Parker, Manvendra Dubey, and Francesca M. Hopkins
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2022-671, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2022-671, 2022
Revised manuscript accepted for ACP
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Wildfires are increasing in the Western US making it critical to understand the impacts of greenhouse gases and air pollutants to the atmosphere. We used a ground-based remote sensing technique to measure the amount of greenhouse gases and aerosol present in the atmosphere. We isolate a large smoke plume being transported and calculate variables to understand the fuel properties and combustion phases. We find that a significant amount of methane is emitted from wildfires.
Alessandro Damiani, Hitoshi Irie, Dmitry A. Belikov, Shuei Kaizuka, Hossain Mohammed Syedul Hoque, and Raul R. Cordero
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 12705–12726, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-12705-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-12705-2022, 2022
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We analyzed the variabilities in tropospheric gases and aerosols within the Greater Tokyo Area, Japan. Beyond highlighting air quality changes caused by the pandemic during the lockdown, we found that the degree of weekly cycling of most gases and aerosols was enhanced during the whole of 2020. The changes were unprecedented in recent years and potentially related to coincident reduced mobility in Japan, which, in contrast to other countries, was anomalously low on weekends in 2020.
Siyang Cheng, Xinghong Cheng, Jianzhong Ma, Xiangde Xu, Wenqian Zhang, Jinguang Lv, Gang Bai, Bing Chen, Siying Ma, Steffen Dörner, Sebastian Donner, and Thomas Wagner
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2022-629, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2022-629, 2022
Revised manuscript accepted for ACP
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We made mobile MAX-DOAS measurements in the background atmosphere over the Tibetan Plateau in summer 2021. We retrieved the tropospheric NO2 and HCHO vertical column densities (VCDs) along extended driving routes, and found a decreasing trend of the VCDs with altitude. Elevated NO2 VCDs along the driving routes could be attributed to enhanced traffic emissions from the towns crossed. The spatio-temporal distribution of the HCHO VCDs correlated strongly with the surface temperature.
Anthony Rey-Pommier, Frédéric Chevallier, Philippe Ciais, Grégoire Broquet, Theodoros Christoudias, Jonilda Kushta, Didier Hauglustaine, and Jean Sciare
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 11505–11527, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-11505-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-11505-2022, 2022
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Emission inventories for air pollutants can be uncertain in developing countries. In order to overcome these uncertainties, we model nitrogen oxide emissions in Egypt using satellite retrievals. We detect a weekly cycle reflecting Egyptian social norms, an annual cycle consistent with electricity consumption and an activity drop due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, discrepancies with inventories remain high, illustrating the needs for additional data to improve the potential of our method.
Lu Shen, Ritesh Gautam, Mark Omara, Daniel Zavala-Araiza, Joannes D. Maasakkers, Tia R. Scarpelli, Alba Lorente, David Lyon, Jianxiong Sheng, Daniel J. Varon, Hannah Nesser, Zhen Qu, Xiao Lu, Melissa P. Sulprizio, Steven P. Hamburg, and Daniel J. Jacob
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 11203–11215, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-11203-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-11203-2022, 2022
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We use 22 months of TROPOMI satellite observations to quantity methane emissions from the oil (O) and natural gas (G) sector in the US and Canada at the scale of both individual basins as well as country-wide aggregates. We find that O/G-related methane emissions are underestimated in these inventories by 80 % for the US and 40 % for Canada, and 70 % of the underestimate in the US is from five O/G basins, including Permian, Haynesville, Anadarko, Eagle Ford, and Barnett.
Daniel L. Goldberg, Monica Harkey, Benjamin de Foy, Laura Judd, Jeremiah Johnson, Greg Yarwood, and Tracey Holloway
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 10875–10900, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-10875-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-10875-2022, 2022
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TROPOMI measurements offer a valuable means to validate emissions inventories and ozone formation regimes, with important limitations. Lightning NOx is important to account for in Texas and can contribute up to 24 % of the column NO2 in rural areas and 8 % in urban areas. Modeled NO2 in urban areas agrees with TROPOMI NO2 to within 20 % in most circumstances, with a small underestimate in Dallas (−13 %) and Houston (−20 %). Near Texas power plants, the satellite appears to underrepresent NO2.
Matilda A. Pimlott, Richard J. Pope, Brian J. Kerridge, Barry G. Latter, Diane S. Knappett, Dwayne E. Heard, Lucy J. Ventress, Richard Siddans, Wuhu Feng, and Martyn P. Chipperfield
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 10467–10488, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-10467-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-10467-2022, 2022
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We present a new method to derive global information of the hydroxyl radical (OH), an important atmospheric oxidant. OH controls the lifetime of trace gases important to air quality and climate. We use satellite observations of ozone, carbon monoxide, methane and water vapour in a simple expression to derive OH around 3–4 km altitude. The derived OH compares well to model and aircraft OH data. We then apply the method to 10 years of satellite data to study the inter-annual variability of OH.
Pieternel F. Levelt, Deborah C. Stein Zweers, Ilse Aben, Maite Bauwens, Tobias Borsdorff, Isabelle De Smedt, Henk J. Eskes, Christophe Lerot, Diego G. Loyola, Fabian Romahn, Trissevgeni Stavrakou, Nicolas Theys, Michel Van Roozendael, J. Pepijn Veefkind, and Tijl Verhoelst
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 10319–10351, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-10319-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-10319-2022, 2022
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Using the COVID-19 lockdown periods as an example, we show how Sentinel-5P/TROPOMI trace gas data (NO2, SO2, CO, HCHO and CHOCHO) can be used to understand impacts on air quality for regions and cities around the globe. We also provide information for both experienced and inexperienced users about how we created the data using state-of-the-art algorithms, where to get the data, methods taking meteorological and seasonal variability into consideration, and insights for future studies.
Daniel J. Jacob, Daniel J. Varon, Daniel H. Cusworth, Philip E. Dennison, Christian Frankenberg, Ritesh Gautam, Luis Guanter, John Kelley, Jason McKeever, Lesley E. Ott, Benjamin Poulter, Zhen Qu, Andrew K. Thorpe, John R. Worden, and Riley M. Duren
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 9617–9646, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-9617-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-9617-2022, 2022
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We review the capability of satellite observations of atmospheric methane to quantify methane emissions on all scales. We cover retrieval methods, precision requirements, inverse methods for inferring emissions, source detection thresholds, and observations of system completeness. We show that current instruments already enable quantification of regional and national emissions including contributions from large point sources. Coverage and resolution will increase significantly in coming years.
Liang Feng, Paul I. Palmer, Robert J. Parker, Mark F. Lunt, and Hartmut Boesch
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2022-425, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2022-425, 2022
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Our understanding of recent changes in atmospheric methane has defied explanation. The atmospheric growth of methane has since 2007 accelerated to record-breaking values in 2020 and 2021. We use satellite observations of methane to show that 1) increasing emissions over the tropics are mostly responsible for these recent atmospheric changes, and 2) changes in the OH sink during the 2020 Covid-19 shutdown can explain up to 20 % of changes in atmospheric methane for that year.
Xin Zhang, Yan Yin, Ronald van der A, Henk Eskes, Jos van Geffen, Yunyao Li, Xiang Kuang, Jeff L. Lapierre, Kui Chen, Zhongxiu Zhen, Jianlin Hu, Chuan He, Jinghua Chen, Rulin Shi, Jun Zhang, Xingrong Ye, and Hao Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 5925–5942, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-5925-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-5925-2022, 2022
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The importance of convection to the ozone and nitrogen oxides (NOx) produced from lightning has long been an open question. We utilize the high-resolution chemistry model with ozonesondes and space observations to discuss the effects of convection over southeastern China, where few studies have been conducted. Our results show the transport and chemistry contributions for various storms and demonstrate the ability of TROPOMI to estimate the lightning NOx production over small-scale convection.
Juan Cuesta, Lorenzo Costantino, Matthias Beekmann, Guillaume Siour, Laurent Menut, Bertrand Bessagnet, Tony C. Landi, Gaëlle Dufour, and Maxim Eremenko
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 4471–4489, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-4471-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-4471-2022, 2022
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We present the first comprehensive study integrating satellite observations of near-surface ozone pollution, surface in situ measurements, and a chemistry-transport model for quantifying the role of anthropogenic emission reductions during the COVID-19 lockdown in spring 2020. It confirms the occurrence of a net enhancement of ozone in central Europe and a reduction elsewhere, except for some hotspots, linked with the reduction of precursor emissions from Europe and the Northern Hemisphere.
Richard J. Pope, Rebecca Kelly, Eloise A. Marais, Ailish M. Graham, Chris Wilson, Jeremy J. Harrison, Savio J. A. Moniz, Mohamed Ghalaieny, Steve R. Arnold, and Martyn P. Chipperfield
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 4323–4338, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-4323-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-4323-2022, 2022
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Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are potent air pollutants which directly impact on human health. In this study, we use satellite nitrogen dioxide (NO2) data to evaluate the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of the UK official NOx emissions inventory, with reasonable agreement. We also derived satellite-based NOx emissions for several UK cities. In the case of London and Birmingham, the NAEI NOx emissions are potentially too low by >50%.
Vitali Fioletov, Chris A. McLinden, Debora Griffin, Nickolay Krotkov, Fei Liu, and Henk Eskes
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 4201–4236, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-4201-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-4201-2022, 2022
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The COVID-19 lockdown had a large impact on anthropogenic emissions and particularly on nitrogen dioxide (NO2). A new method of isolation of background, urban, and industrial components in NO2 is applied to estimate the lockdown impact on each of them. From 16 March to 15 June 2020, urban NO2 declined by −18 % to −28 % in most regions of the world, while background NO2 typically declined by less than −10 %.
Sören Johansson, Gerald Wetzel, Felix Friedl-Vallon, Norbert Glatthor, Michael Höpfner, Anne Kleinert, Tom Neubert, Björn-Martin Sinnhuber, and Jörn Ungermann
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 3675–3691, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-3675-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-3675-2022, 2022
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We present GLORIA airborne cross sections of PAN, C2H6, HCOOH, CH3OH, and C2H4 in the South Atlantic UTLS in September/October 2019. Filamentary structures and a large plume were observed. Backward trajectories indicate that measured pollutants come from South America and central Africa. Comparisons to CAMS show structural agreement of the measured distributions. PAN absolute VMRs agree with the GLORIA measurements, C2H6 and HCOOH are simulated too low, and CH3OH and C2H4 are too high.
Kezia Lange, Andreas Richter, and John P. Burrows
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 2745–2767, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-2745-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-2745-2022, 2022
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In this study, we investigated short time variability of NOx emissions and lifetimes on a global scale. We combined 2 years of satellite Sentinel-5P TROPOMI tropospheric NO2 column data with wind data. Fifty NOx sources distributed around the world are analyzed. The retrieved emissions show a clear seasonal dependence. NOx lifetime shows a latitudinal dependence but only a week seasonal dependence. NOx emissions show a clear weekly pattern which in contrast is not visible for NOx lifetimes.
Fei Liu, Zhining Tao, Steffen Beirle, Joanna Joiner, Yasuko Yoshida, Steven J. Smith, K. Emma Knowland, and Thomas Wagner
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 1333–1349, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-1333-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-1333-2022, 2022
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In this work, we present a novel method to infer NOx emissions and lifetimes based on tropospheric NO2 observations together with reanalysis wind fields for cities located in polluted backgrounds. We evaluate the accuracy of the method using synthetic NO2 observations derived from a high-resolution model simulation. Our work provides an estimate for uncertainties in satellite-derived emissions inferred from chemical transport model (CTM)-independent approaches.
Qiansi Tu, Frank Hase, Matthias Schneider, Omaira García, Thomas Blumenstock, Tobias Borsdorff, Matthias Frey, Farahnaz Khosrawi, Alba Lorente, Carlos Alberti, Juan J. Bustos, André Butz, Virgilio Carreño, Emilio Cuevas, Roger Curcoll, Christopher J. Diekmann, Darko Dubravica, Benjamin Ertl, Carme Estruch, Sergio Fabián León-Luis, Carlos Marrero, Josep-Anton Morgui, Ramón Ramos, Christian Scharun, Carsten Schneider, Eliezer Sepúlveda, Carlos Toledano, and Carlos Torres
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 295–317, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-295-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-295-2022, 2022
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We use different methane ground- and space-based remote sensing data sets for investigating the emission strength of three waste disposal sites close to Madrid. We present a method that uses wind-assigned anomalies for deriving emission strengths from satellite data and estimate their uncertainty to 9–14 %. The emission strengths estimated from the remote sensing data sets are significantly larger than the values published in the official register.
Robert D. Field, Jonathan E. Hickman, Igor V. Geogdzhayev, Kostas Tsigaridis, and Susanne E. Bauer
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 18333–18350, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-18333-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-18333-2021, 2021
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In this study, we examined changes in atmospheric composition over China from satellite measurements during the COVID lockdowns of 2020. We found that interpreting changes in 2020 depended strongly on the background period and whether trends were accounted for. In most cases, pollution levels in 2020 were lower than during the previous few years when pollution levels appear to have stabilized.
Andrea Pazmiño, Matthias Beekmann, Florence Goutail, Dmitry Ionov, Ariane Bazureau, Manuel Nunes-Pinharanda, Alain Hauchecorne, and Sophie Godin-Beekmann
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 18303–18317, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-18303-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-18303-2021, 2021
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UV-Visible Système d'Analyse par Observations Zénithales (SAOZ) NO2 tropospheric columns were evaluated to quantify the impact of the lockdown in limiting the COVID-19 propagation. Meteorological conditions and NO2 trends were considered. The negative anomaly in tropospheric columns in 2020, attributed to the lockdown (17 March–10 May and related emissions reductions), was 56 % at Paris and 46 % at a suburban site. A similar anomaly was found in the Airparif data of surface concentrations.
Sven Krautwurst, Konstantin Gerilowski, Jakob Borchardt, Norman Wildmann, Michał Gałkowski, Justyna Swolkień, Julia Marshall, Alina Fiehn, Anke Roiger, Thomas Ruhtz, Christoph Gerbig, Jaroslaw Necki, John P. Burrows, Andreas Fix, and Heinrich Bovensmann
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 17345–17371, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-17345-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-17345-2021, 2021
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Quantification of anthropogenic CH4 emissions remains challenging, but it is essential for near-term climate mitigation strategies. We use airborne remote sensing observations to assess bottom-up estimates of coal mining emissions from one of Europe's largest CH4 emission hot spots located in Poland. The analysis reveals that emissions from small groups of shafts can be disentangled, but caution is advised when comparing observations to commonly reported annual emissions.
Nicolas Theys, Vitali Fioletov, Can Li, Isabelle De Smedt, Christophe Lerot, Chris McLinden, Nickolay Krotkov, Debora Griffin, Lieven Clarisse, Pascal Hedelt, Diego Loyola, Thomas Wagner, Vinod Kumar, Antje Innes, Roberto Ribas, François Hendrick, Jonas Vlietinck, Hugues Brenot, and Michel Van Roozendael
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 16727–16744, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-16727-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-16727-2021, 2021
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We present a new algorithm to retrieve sulfur dioxide from space UV measurements. We apply the technique to high-resolution TROPOMI measurements and demonstrate the high sensitivity of the approach to weak SO2 emissions worldwide with an unprecedented limit of detection of 8 kt yr−1. This result has broad implications for atmospheric science studies dealing with improving emission inventories and identifying and quantifying missing sources, in the context of air quality and climate.
Jonathan E. Hickman, Niels Andela, Enrico Dammers, Lieven Clarisse, Pierre-François Coheur, Martin Van Damme, Courtney A. Di Vittorio, Money Ossohou, Corinne Galy-Lacaux, Kostas Tsigaridis, and Susanne E. Bauer
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 16277–16291, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-16277-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-16277-2021, 2021
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Ammonia (NH3) gas emitted from soils and biomass burning contributes to particulate air pollution. We used satellite observations of the atmosphere over Africa to show that declines in NH3 concentrations over South Sudan's Sudd wetland in 2008–2017 are related to variation in wetland extent. We also find NH3 concentrations increased in West Africa as a result of biomass burning and increased in the Lake Victoria region, likely due to agricultural expansion and intensification.
Nicole Jacobs, William R. Simpson, Kelly A. Graham, Christopher Holmes, Frank Hase, Thomas Blumenstock, Qiansi Tu, Matthias Frey, Manvendra K. Dubey, Harrison A. Parker, Debra Wunch, Rigel Kivi, Pauli Heikkinen, Justus Notholt, Christof Petri, and Thorsten Warneke
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 16661–16687, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-16661-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-16661-2021, 2021
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Spatial patterns of carbon dioxide seasonal cycle amplitude and summer drawdown timing derived from the OCO-2 satellite over northern high latitudes agree well with corresponding estimates from two models. The Asian boreal forest is anomalous with the largest amplitude and earliest seasonal drawdown. Modeled land contact tracers suggest that accumulated CO2 exchanges during atmospheric transport play a major role in shaping carbon dioxide seasonality in northern high-latitude regions.
Gaëlle Dufour, Didier Hauglustaine, Yunjiang Zhang, Maxim Eremenko, Yann Cohen, Audrey Gaudel, Guillaume Siour, Mathieu Lachatre, Axel Bense, Bertrand Bessagnet, Juan Cuesta, Jerry Ziemke, Valérie Thouret, and Bo Zheng
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 16001–16025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-16001-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-16001-2021, 2021
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The IASI observations and the LMDZ-OR-INCA model simulations show negative ozone trends in the Central East China region in the lower free (3–6 km column) and the upper free (6–9 km column) troposphere. Sensitivity studies from the model show that the Chinese anthropogenic emissions contribute to more than 50 % in the trend. The reduction in NOx emissions that has occurred since 2013 in China seems to lead to a decrease in ozone in the free troposphere, contrary to the increase at the surface.
Xiaomeng Jin, Qindan Zhu, and Ronald C. Cohen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 15569–15587, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-15569-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-15569-2021, 2021
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We describe direct estimates of NOx emissions and lifetimes for biomass burning plumes using daily TROPOMI retrievals of NO2. Satellite-derived NOx emission factors are consistent with those from in situ measurements. We observe decreasing NOx lifetime with fire intensity, which is due to the increase in NOx abundance and radical production. Our findings suggest promise for applying space-based observations to track the emissions and chemical evolution of reactive nitrogen from wildfires.
Omaira E. García, Matthias Schneider, Eliezer Sepúlveda, Frank Hase, Thomas Blumenstock, Emilio Cuevas, Ramón Ramos, Jochen Gross, Sabine Barthlott, Amelie N. Röhling, Esther Sanromá, Yenny González, Ángel J. Gómez-Peláez, Mónica Navarro-Comas, Olga Puentedura, Margarita Yela, Alberto Redondas, Virgilio Carreño, Sergio F. León-Luis, Enrique Reyes, Rosa D. García, Pedro P. Rivas, Pedro M. Romero-Campos, Carlos Torres, Natalia Prats, Miguel Hernández, and César López
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 15519–15554, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-15519-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-15519-2021, 2021
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This paper analyses the potential of ground-based Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) solar observations to monitor atmospheric gaseous composition and investigate multiple climate processes. To this end, this work reviews the FTIR programme of one of most relevant ground-based FTIR stations at a global scale, the subtropical Izaña Observatory (IZO, Spain), going over its history during its first 20 years of operation (1999–2018) and exploring its great value for long-term climate research.
Danran Li, Shanshan Wang, Ruibin Xue, Jian Zhu, Sanbao Zhang, Zhibin Sun, and Bin Zhou
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 15447–15460, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-15447-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-15447-2021, 2021
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Satellite-observed HCHO / NO2 ratios are usually used to infer the O3 formation sensitivity regime. However, it only provides the one ratio around overpass time per day. In order to better characterize the O3 formation during the daytime, we proposed to introduce the surface-observed hourly O3 concentration increment and HCHO / NO2 to correct the satellited-observed HCHO / NO2. Moreover, the temporal and spatial variations of HCHO VCDs and the influencing factors in Shanghai were investigated.
Zhen Qu, Daniel J. Jacob, Lu Shen, Xiao Lu, Yuzhong Zhang, Tia R. Scarpelli, Hannah Nesser, Melissa P. Sulprizio, Joannes D. Maasakkers, A. Anthony Bloom, John R. Worden, Robert J. Parker, and Alba L. Delgado
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 14159–14175, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-14159-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-14159-2021, 2021
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The recent launch of TROPOMI offers an unprecedented opportunity to quantify the methane budget from a top-down perspective. We use TROPOMI and the more mature GOSAT methane observations to estimate methane emissions and get consistent global budgets. However, TROPOMI shows biases over regions where surface albedo is small and provides less information for the coarse-resolution inversion due to the larger error correlations and spatial variations in the number of observations.
Kang Sun, Lingbo Li, Shruti Jagini, and Dan Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 13311–13332, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-13311-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-13311-2021, 2021
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We bridge the gap between satellite column observations and emissions by accounting for the dynamic lifetime of pollutants due to wind dispersion and the chemical lifetime due to chemical reactions. Applying it to the Po Valley air basin, we derive the monthly emissions of nitrogen oxides using satellite nitrogen dioxide observations. We further quantify the COVID-19-driven decline of emissions and estimate a 22 % decrease in nitrogen oxide emissions due to the pandemic in 2020.
Isabelle De Smedt, Gaia Pinardi, Corinne Vigouroux, Steven Compernolle, Alkis Bais, Nuria Benavent, Folkert Boersma, Ka-Lok Chan, Sebastian Donner, Kai-Uwe Eichmann, Pascal Hedelt, François Hendrick, Hitoshi Irie, Vinod Kumar, Jean-Christopher Lambert, Bavo Langerock, Christophe Lerot, Cheng Liu, Diego Loyola, Ankie Piters, Andreas Richter, Claudia Rivera Cárdenas, Fabian Romahn, Robert George Ryan, Vinayak Sinha, Nicolas Theys, Jonas Vlietinck, Thomas Wagner, Ting Wang, Huan Yu, and Michel Van Roozendael
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 12561–12593, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-12561-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-12561-2021, 2021
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This paper assess the performances of the TROPOMI formaldehyde observations compared to its predecessor OMI at different spatial and temporal scales. We also use a global network of MAX-DOAS instruments to validate both satellite datasets for a large range of HCHO columns. The precision obtained with daily TROPOMI observations is comparable to monthly OMI observations. We present clear detection of weak HCHO column enhancements related to shipping emissions in the Indian Ocean.
Florian Dinger, Timo Kleinbek, Steffen Dörner, Nicole Bobrowski, Ulrich Platt, Thomas Wagner, Martha Ibarra, and Eveling Espinoza
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 9367–9404, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-9367-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-9367-2021, 2021
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Monitoring magnitude or chemical composition of volcanic gas emissions can help to forecast volcanic eruptions and provides empirical data on the impact of volcanoes on the chemistry in the local and global atmosphere. This study reports and discusses continuous time series of the sulfur and bromine emission fluxes of Masaya from 2014 to 2020. We observed an annual cyclicity in the BrO / SO2 molar ratio, possibly caused by the annual variability in the atmospheric humidity.
Cheng Fan, Zhengqiang Li, Ying Li, Jiantao Dong, Ronald van der A, and Gerrit de Leeuw
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 7723–7748, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-7723-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-7723-2021, 2021
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Emission control policy in China has resulted in the decrease of nitrogen dioxide concentrations, which however leveled off and stabilized in recent years, as shown from satellite data. The effects of the further emission reduction during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 resulted in an initial improvement of air quality, which, however, was offset by chemical and meteorological effects. The study shows the regional dependence over east China, and results have a wider application than China only.
Jérôme Barré, Hervé Petetin, Augustin Colette, Marc Guevara, Vincent-Henri Peuch, Laurence Rouil, Richard Engelen, Antje Inness, Johannes Flemming, Carlos Pérez García-Pando, Dene Bowdalo, Frederik Meleux, Camilla Geels, Jesper H. Christensen, Michael Gauss, Anna Benedictow, Svetlana Tsyro, Elmar Friese, Joanna Struzewska, Jacek W. Kaminski, John Douros, Renske Timmermans, Lennart Robertson, Mario Adani, Oriol Jorba, Mathieu Joly, and Rostislav Kouznetsov
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 7373–7394, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-7373-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-7373-2021, 2021
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This study provides a comprehensive assessment of air quality changes across the main European urban areas induced by the COVID-19 lockdown using satellite observations, surface site measurements, and the forecasting system from the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service (CAMS). We demonstrate the importance of accounting for weather and seasonal variability when calculating such estimates.
Wannan Wang, Ronald van der A, Jieying Ding, Michiel van Weele, and Tianhai Cheng
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 7253–7269, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-7253-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-7253-2021, 2021
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We developed a method to determine the type of photochemical regime of ozone formation by using only satellite observations of formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide as well as ozone measurements on the ground. It was found that many cities in China, because of their high level of air pollution, are in the so-called VOC-limited photochemical regime. This means that the current reductions of nitrogen dioxide resulted in higher levels of photochemical smog in these cities.
Karn Vohra, Eloise A. Marais, Shannen Suckra, Louisa Kramer, William J. Bloss, Ravi Sahu, Abhishek Gaur, Sachchida N. Tripathi, Martin Van Damme, Lieven Clarisse, and Pierre-F. Coheur
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 6275–6296, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-6275-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-6275-2021, 2021
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We find satellite observations of atmospheric composition generally reproduce variability in surface air pollution, so we use their long record to estimate air quality trends in major UK and Indian cities. Our trend analysis shows that pollutants targeted with air quality policies have not declined in Delhi and Kanpur but have in London and Birmingham, with the exception of a recent and dramatic increase in reactive volatile organics in London. Unregulated ammonia has increased only in Delhi.
Saginela Ravindra Babu, Madineni Venkat Ratnam, Ghouse Basha, Shantanu Kumar Pani, and Neng-Huei Lin
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 5533–5547, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-5533-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-5533-2021, 2021
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The present study explores the detailed structure, dynamics, and trace gas variability in the Asian summer monsoon anticyclone (ASMA) in the extreme El Niño of 2015/16. The results find the structure of the ASMA shows strong spatial variability between July and August. A West Pacific mode of the anticyclone is noticed in August. A significant lowering of tropospheric tracers and strong increase in stratospheric tracers are found. The tropopause temperatures also exhibit a warming in the ASMA.
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Short summary
Generally, atmospheric pollutants exhibit seasonal and annual variations with space and time in addition to episodic events. Hence it is important to quantify the changes that occurred due to episodic events such as lockdown in this case. Therefore in our study, we intended to show the lockdown-induced changes of tropospheric NO2, carbon monoxide (CO), and AOD in addition to the effect of inter-annual variability on these pollutants. Further observed changes were statistically evaluated.
Generally, atmospheric pollutants exhibit seasonal and annual variations with space and time in...
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