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Space‐based diagnosis of surface ozone sensitivity to anthropogenic emissions
Author(s) -
Martin Randall V.,
Fiore Arlene M.,
Van Donkelaar Aaron
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2004gl019416
Subject(s) - ozone , environmental science , nitrogen dioxide , satellite , northern hemisphere , tropospheric ozone , atmospheric sciences , pollution , formaldehyde , air pollution , troposphere , atmosphere (unit) , environmental chemistry , meteorology , chemistry , geology , geography , ecology , organic chemistry , aerospace engineering , engineering , biology
We present a novel capability in satellite remote sensing with implications for air pollution control strategy. We show that the ratio of formaldehyde columns to tropospheric nitrogen dioxide columns is an indicator of the relative sensitivity of surface ozone to emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO x ≡ NO + NO 2 ) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The diagnosis from these space‐based observations is highly consistent with current understanding of surface ozone chemistry based on in situ observations. The satellite‐derived ratios indicate that surface ozone is more sensitive to emissions of NO x than of VOCs throughout most continental regions of the Northern Hemisphere during summer. Exceptions include Los Angeles and industrial areas of Germany. A seasonal transition occurs in the fall when surface ozone becomes less sensitive to NO x and more sensitive to VOCs.