Processing of Satellite Digital Images for Mapping Atmospheric Transmissivity in Bangladesh

This study investigates the potential of determining atmospheric transmissivity (τ) from NOAA-AVHRR satellite images using a simple methodology. Using this method, hourly transmissivity values over the land surface area of Bangladesh has been determined. The spatio-temporal distribution of τ has been studied by constructing monthly average maps for the whole country for one complete year (February 2005 to January 2006). Yearly average map has been prepared by integrating monthly average maps. Geographical distribution of τ exhibits patterns and trends. It is observed that the value of τ varies from 0.3 to 0.65 with the average maximum value in the month of April and minimum value in the month of November. It is also observed that for western parts of the country, which is the drought prone area, transmissivity values are little bit higher than that at the eastern parts. Relatively lower values of τ in the dry months (November to January) may be due to the effect of particulate or chemical pollution in the atmosphere.