Using MODIS AOD to Constrain Biomass Burning Emission Source Strength in the GOCART Model

Biomass burning has been recognized as a major contributor to atmospheric concentrations of carbonaceous aerosol, dominant in some locations and seasons. Simulations of biomass burning (BB) emissions in global chemistry transport models strongly depend on the inventories that define emission source location and strength. In this work, we use several global biomass burning emission inventories, including GFED3 monthly and daily, FRP-based, GFED-scaled Quick Fire Emission Dataset QFED, and several combinations of fuel load estimates, aerosol emission factors and MODIS-based burned area products as alternative inputs to the GOCART model. The resultant simulated aerosol optical depth (AOD) and its spatial distributions are compared to AOD snapshots measured by the MODIS instrument for 70 fire events occurring between 2006 and 2007. We present the conclusions of GOCART model performance in different regions of the world, for runs initiated with the range of BB emission inventory options. We also explore the limitations of using MODIS AOD snapshots to constrain biomass burning source strength in global aerosol models.