IASI satellite observation of pollutants over China during Dragon 3

Abstract : Nadir looking sounders flying onboard satellites can nowadays monitor several key species involved in pollution events. Over China top-down routine and long term observation of carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and ammonia (NH3) is now possible using the IASI mission. The latter is based on a Fourier Transform Spectrometer using the thermal infrared spectral range to sound the atmosphere from a polar orbiting satellite. The mission has been providing global observations of the air composition with an excellent spatial resolution, twice a day since 2007 (MetOp-A) and 4 times per day since 2012 (Metop-A and MetOp-B). From the atmospheric spectra recorded by the instrument, enhanced levels of pollutants can be detected and follow-up over China and Asia. This paper presents the findings over the Dragon 3 (2012-2016) time period, and reviews the IASI capability and limitations to observe local and regional pollution events, as well as seasonal variations due to the monsoon dynamic patterns.