Ground Level Particulate Concentration Prediction Using Remote Sensing Case Study - Sydney 2001 Bushfires
Increased atmospheric concentrations of particulate matter have been shown to be responsible for a number of detrimental health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and increased mortality rates. It is important to be able to identify and predict those periods when particulate matter concentrations may be elevated so that the public can be informed, taking the necessary action to reduce their exposure and avoid such harmful effects.
Aerosol optical thickness retrievals from satellite sensors have been shown to be a good measure of ground level particulate concentrations under certain meteorological conditions. The advantage of these measurements over traditional, ground based point measurements is that aerosol movements can be observed from regional to global scales, from source to sink and, studied in conjunction with meteorological forecasts, can aid in the identification of areas which may be affected by high particulate concentrations. Such an early warning system has the potential to reduce public particulate exposure thus decreasing morbidity and mortality and easing the strain on public health authorities.
The potential for such an early warning system is examined using a major particulate event in Sydney, Australia during the summer of 2001. Ground level particulate data from several monitoring stations are examined alongside aerosol optical thickness data from the MODIS sensor aboard the NASA TERRA satellite. Such major events are not uncommon in Australia and therefore the potential of such a system to reduce associated health effects is enormous.
Keywords: Satellite Remote Sensing, Aerosols, Bushfires, Early Warning