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New satellite tracking gives a much more accurate read on global air pollution.
by Boonsri Dickinson
From the May 2009 issue, published online April 13, 2009
This image from the Terra/MODIS satellite shows thick haze
and smoke in northern India; much of it comes
from burning biomass.
Image courtesy of William K-M Lau/NASA
Particulate air pollution is typically measured at ground level. Unfortunately, many of the world’s most polluted areas are in developing countries that cannot afford extensive monitoring. To remedy this, Sundar Christopher, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Alabama at Huntsville, compared satellite data with ground measurements in well-studied areas. Using those comparisons, he devised a way to determine surface air quality using satellite data alone. “Remote sensing is the only viable way to monitor global particulate matter,” he says. Using NASA’s Terra and Aqua satellites, he and his team examined 20 cities with populations greater than 10 million. In 15 of them, pollution levels were five to ten times higher than the World Health Organization’s guidelines. The researchers are now using satellites to track how pollution moves from one region to another.
Meanwhile, on the ground, other scientists have found new ways to track refinery pollution. Environmental engineer Shankar Chellam of the University of Houston placed filters around his city to collect metals released by oil refineries. The highest pollutant concentrations occurred on days when refineries reported equipment problems, suggesting they are the source. Chellam will analyze pollution contributions from other industries and from vehicles to provide policymakers with data needed to create more effective regulations.
Source: http://discovermagazine.com/2009/may/13-eyes-in-sky-show-air-pollution-is-much-worse
AP
This image provided by Picture Group shows Justin Timberlake at the opening of AP – This image provided by Picture Group shows Justin Timberlake at the opening of the Mirimichi Golf Course, …
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Justin Timberlake celebrated the opening of his renovated, environmentally friendly golf course in style on the 10th tee — by smacking his drive 291 yards.
The singer and actor smiled Saturday after the tee-off, saying “nobody’s happier about this course” than he is.
Timberlake was the first to play a round at his Mirimichi golf course near Memphis, Tenn., after he spent $16 million renovating the course to make it more eco-friendly.
Timberlake drew a crowd of about 50 onlookers after starting an early round of 18 holes at 7:30 a.m.
He played Saturday with his mother, stepfather and an old family friend from Tennessee.
The Memphis native got the idea to buy the course from his dad back in 2007.
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Information from: The Commercial Appeal, http://www.commercialappeal.com
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