Knowledge of the emission source strengths of different (particulate and gaseous) atmospheric constituents is one of the principal ingredients upon which the modeling and forecasting of their distribution and impacts depend. Biomass burning emissions are complex and difficult to quantify. However, satellite remote sensing is providing us tremendous opportunities to measure the fire radiative energy (FRE) release rate or power (FRP), which has a direct relationship with the rates of biomass consumption and emissions of major smoke constituents. In this presentation, we will show how the remote-sensing measurement of FRP is facilitating the development of various scientific studies relating to biomass burning, particularly the quantitative characterization of their emission rates and the implications of this unique capability for improving our understanding of smoke impacts on air quality, weather, and climate.

Physics Bldg., room 401