What does OMI NO2 tell us about emission source strengths?

The chemical-transport model (CTM) from NASA's Global Modeling Initiative (GMI) has been used to conduct simulations of atmospheric composition for the AURA period of 2004-2005. We utilize assimilated winds from the GEOS-4 version of Goddard's Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO). Results of our simulations for column NO2 are presented, in a manner that is directly comparable to the OMI measurements. Discrepancies between model results and observations are explored by considering uncertainties in NO2 emission from different sources. In particular, we examine emissions from regions dominated by fossil fuels and biofuels, such as the eastern United States, Europe and eastern Asia, and biomass burning, such as boreal fires in North America. This comparison allows us to determine whether there are major inconsistencies between OMI NO2 and model results which would require revision of our emission inventories for different regions.