Integration of remote sensing data and surface observations to estimate the impact of the Russian wildfires over Europe and Asia during August 2010

摘要

A series of wildfires broke out in Western Russia starting in late July of2010. Harmful particulates and gases released into the local Russianatmosphere have been reported, as have possible negative consequences forthe global atmosphere. In this study, an extremely hazy area and itstransport trajectory on Russian wildfires were analysed using aerosoloptical depth (AOD) images retrieved via the synergy method from ModerateResolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. In addition, we usedtrace gases (NO₂ and SO₂) and CO₂ products measured usingOzone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) data, vertical distribution of AOD dataretrieved from Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder SatelliteObservation (CALIPSO) data, the mass trajectory analyses, synoptic maps froma HYSPLIT model simulation and ground-based data, including AERONET (bothAOD and ?ngstr?m exponent) data and PM_2.5. First, an OptimalSmoothing (OS) scheme was used to develop more precise and reliable AOD databased on multiple competing predictions made using several AOD retrievalmodels; then, integrated AOD and PM_2.5 data were related using achemical transport model (GEOS-Chem), and the integrated AOD and visibilitydata were related using the 6S radiative transfer code. The results showthat the PM_2.5 concentration is enhanced by a factor of 3–5 asdetermined from both satellite and in situ observations with peak daily meanconcentrations of approximately 500 μg m3. Also, the visibility in manyparts of Russia, for instance in Moscow, was less than 100 m; in some areas,the visibility was less than 50 m. Additionally, the possible impact onneighbouring countries due to long-transport was analysed for 31 Julyand 15 August 2010. A comparison of the satellite aerosol productsand ground observations from the neighbouring countries suggests thatwildfires in Western Russian had little impact on most european and asiancountries, the exceptions being Finland, Estonia, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan.However, a possible impact on the Arctic region was identified; such aneffect would have a serious influence on the polar atmospheric enviroment,and on animals such as polar bears.