The Global Aerosol System as Viewed by MODIS Today
Dr. Lorraine Remer
NASA/GSFC
When viewed from space the global aerosol system spreads out in its
complexity and vitality from the dramatic outbursts of dust aerosol of
the world's desert regions to the intense production from biomass
burning and industrial sources. We have come a long ways in terms of
what we can learn about this aerosol system using space-based sensors
in general and MODIS specifically. We have quantitative estimates of
aerosol transport across oceans, and estimates of aerosol global and
regional radiative effects. MODIS data shows significant correlations
between aerosol and cloud properties including cloud cover and
intensity of convection. In addition, the EPA is using MODIS data
operationally as part of their air quality forecasting products. The
global aerosol system is fundamentally intertwined with the general
circulation of the atmosphere, with cloud and precipitation patterns
and with human health. It isn't just a radiative problem anymore. In
this seminar I intend to focus on what's new with the MODIS aerosol
algorithms, and what's new in how we are using the products to learn
something more about our planet.