New eyes in
the sky
UI
researchers develop technique to help pollution forecasters see past clouds
2012.07.10
| 11:18 AM
Until now,
scientists who study air pollution using satellite imagery have been limited by
weather. Clouds, in particular, provide much less information than a sunny day.
University
of Iowa scientists have created a technique to help satellites "see"
through the clouds and better estimate the concentration of pollutants, such as
soot. The finding is important, because, like GPS systems, clouds block
remote-sensing satellites' ability to detect, and thus calculate, the
concentration of pollution nearer to the ground. This includes particles
(commonly known as soot) that reduce air quality and affect weather and
climate.
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