Monday, 12 January 2009: 4:30 PM
Increased availability of satellite remote sensing data for model evaluation through 3D-AQS
Room 127A (Phoenix Convention Center)
Satellite remote sensing data is becoming an increasingly important data source for comparison with air quality models. The ability to fill in large areas of the country which are between surface PM2.5 and NOy monitors allows more precise assessment of the timing of the models and the inclusion of correct source inputs. Over the last 2.5 years, we have examined column AOD as a surrogate for PM2.5 and included data from 2004 to the present in two of EPA's decision support tools, AIRQUEST and RSIG. In AIRQUEST, we have matched AOD columns from three spaceborne instruments (MODIS on Terra and Aqua and the GASP product) with 1800 PM2.5 sites which allows examination of the relationships between PM and AOD. We have also matched NO2 columns from the OMI instrument at those sites. In addition, we have matched the PM retrievals with the CMAQ grid to enable easier assessment of model outputs that run on that grid system. These data are being included in RSIG. These products are an evolution of the IDEA product and the expansion of tools in NESDIS IDEA will be demonstrated. Combined these data are significant sources for assessment of near-real time and retrospective forecasts from models.
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