The latest findings, derived from the highly reliable data of NASA’s Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument aboard the Aqua satellite, reveal the movement high in the atmosphere of carbon monoxide associated with fires in Brazil’s Amazon region.
This time series maps carbon monoxide at an altitude of 18,000 feet (5,500 meters) from Aug. 8-22, 2019. As the series progresses, the plume grows in the northwest Amazon region, then drifts in a more concentrated plume toward the southeastern part of the country.
Each “day” in the series is made by averaging three days’ worth of measurements, a technique used to eliminate data gaps. Green indicates concentrations of carbon monoxide at approximately 100 parts per billion by volume (ppbv); yellow at about 120 ppbv; and dark red at about 160 ppbv. Local values can be significantly higher.
Green indicates concentrations of carbon monoxide at approximately 100 parts per billion by volume (ppbv); yellow at about 120 ppbv; and dark red at about 160 ppbv. (Image: JPL– Caltech via NASA)
Carbon monoxide persists in the atmosphere for about a month
A pollutant that can travel large distances, carbon monoxide can persist in the atmosphere for about a month. At the high altitude mapped in these images, the gas has little effect on the air we breathe; however, strong winds can carry it down to where it can significantly impact air quality. It then plays a role in both air pollution and climate change.
In conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), AIRS senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a 3-dimensional look at Earth’s weather and climate.
With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the instruments create a global, 3-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations, and many other atmospheric phenomena.
Provided by: Jet Propulsion Laboratory [Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.]
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