Aerosol Optical Depth from Satellite Observations during ACE-Asia

Utilizing NOAA AVHRR, SeaWiFS and GMS-5 satellite-based measurements of the surface and atmosphere during ACE-Asia, we expect to better characterize the effects of dense (Gobi Desert) dust and anthropogenic (both biomass burning and industrial) aerosol plumes not observed during previous ACE campaigns. Further, characterization will be made of the complicated sea surface turbidities caused by enormous river outflows and other coastal effects. The observations made during ACE-Asia will allow us to better validate aerosol optical depth algorithms for the various aerosol types characteristic of the ACE-Asia experiment. Additionally, hourly GMS-5 imagery analysis proved useful during the experiment for monitoring and tracking elevated dust plumes as they formed over the continent and spread eastward toward the Pacific Ocean.