Abstract
We present joint analyses of satellite-observed combustion products to examine bulk characteristics of combustion in megacities and fire regions. We use retrievals of CO, NO2 and CO2 from NASA/Terra Measurement of Pollution In The Troposphere, NASA/Aura Ozone Monitoring Instrument, and JAXA Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite to estimate atmospheric enhancements of these co-emitted species based on their spatiotemporal variability (spread, σ) within 14 regions dominated by combustion emissions. We find that patterns in σXCO/σXCO2 and σXCO/σXNO2 are able to distinguish between combustion types across the globe. These patterns show distinct groupings for biomass burning and the developing/developed status of a region that are not well represented in global emissions inventories. We show here that such multi-species analyses can provide constraints on emission inventories, and be useful in monitoring trends and understanding regional-scale combustion.
Highlights
The characteristics and scale of global emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere are not currently well understood, for regions where substantial emissions occur due to combustion
We demonstrate that satellite observations can distinguish differences in combustion source characteristics through analysis of the relative patterns in enhancements of CO and CO2, and NO2 and CO, respectively
Surrounding the center of these hotspots. Though these regions are rather coarse for the study of individual urban areas, they are consistent with the scale of many of the large biomass burning events and allow for a sufficient number of XCO2 retrievals over all regions
Summary
The characteristics and scale of global emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere are not currently well understood, for regions where substantial emissions occur due to combustion. Despite the significant environmental impact, estimates of these emissions from combustion remain uncertain, in remote and rapidly developing regions where combustion processes are poorly characterized due to a lack of detailed information including: fuel type, energy-use, combustion practices, and pollution control strategies [1,2]. This uncertainty is exacerbated by limited observations at the spatiotemporal scales necessary to resolve variations in combustion patterns [3]. We take advantage of the unique opportunity to study combustion patterns and trends within the nexus of air pollution and carbon cycle science, giving us the ability to draw conclusions relevant to both air quality and climate, for regions with few observations and limited information on local combustion processes
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
