American Association for Aerosol Research - Abstract Submission

AAAR 39th Annual Conference
October 18 - October 22, 2021

Virtual Conference

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Fine Particulate Matter: Interpreting Satellite Observations to Advance Understanding for Health Applications

RANDALL MARTIN, Washington University in St. Louis

     Abstract Number: 498
     Working Group: Invited by Conference Chair

Abstract
Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is the leading global environmental determinant of longevity. However, ground-level monitoring remains sparse in many regions of the world. Satellite remote sensing of aerosol optical depth offers global data to address this observational gap. Global modeling plays a critical role in relating satellite observations to ground-level concentrations. The resultant satellite-based PM2.5 estimates indicate pronounced variation around the world, with implications for global health and insight into the association of PM2.5 with health outcomes. Sensitivity simulations with the GEOS-Chem model provide information on the sources of ambient fine particulate matter contributions that affect human health. These capabilities offer information about the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on air quality. The Surface Particulate Matter Network (SPARTAN) is designed to evaluate and enhance satellite-based PM2.5 estimates. Advanced high-performance modeling offers increasingly fine resolution to connect across scales. This talk will highlight recent advances in combining satellite remote sensing, global modeling, and ground-based measurements to improve understanding of PM2.5 for health applications from global toward urban scales.