First satellite observations of lower tropospheric ammonia and methanol

Beer, R; Shephard, MW; Kulawik, SS; Clough, SA; Eldering, A; Bowman, KW; Sander, SP; Fisher, BM; Payne, VH; Luo, M; Osterman, GN; Worden, JR

HERO ID

1227150

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2008

Language

English

HERO ID 1227150
In Press No
Year 2008
Title First satellite observations of lower tropospheric ammonia and methanol
Authors Beer, R; Shephard, MW; Kulawik, SS; Clough, SA; Eldering, A; Bowman, KW; Sander, SP; Fisher, BM; Payne, VH; Luo, M; Osterman, GN; Worden, JR
Journal Geophysical Research Letters
Volume 35
Issue 9
Page Numbers L09801
Abstract The Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) on the EOS Aura satellite makes global measurements of infrared radiances which are used to derive profiles of species such as O3, CO, H2O, HDO and CH4 as routine standard products. In addition, TES has a variety of special modes that provide denser spatial mapping over a limited geographical area. A continuous-coverage mode (called "transect", about 460 km long) has now been used to detect additional molecules indicative of regional air pollution. On 10 July 2007 at about 05:37 UTC (13:24 LMST) TES conducted such a transect observation over the Beijing area in northeast China. Examination of the residual spectral radiances following the retrieval of the TES standard products revealed surprisingly strong features attributable to enhanced concentrations of ammonia (NH3) and methanol (CH3OH), well above the normal background levels. This is the first time that these molecules have been detected in space-based nadir viewing measurements that penetrate into the lower atmosphere.
Doi 10.1029/2008GL033642
Wosid WOS:000255593200002
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword China, People's Rep., Beijing; Ammonia content of atmosphere; Remote sensing; Satellite instrumentation; Air pollution; Emission measurements; Ozone; Emission standards; Emissions; Satellite data; Satellites; Troposphere; Methane emissions; Ammonia; Methane