IASI ammonia observations to study land-use change, soil-atmosphere exchange and the effect of meteorology
- Authors
- Publication Date
- Apr 20, 2023
- Source
- HAL-Descartes
- Keywords
- Language
- English
- License
- Unknown
- External links
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) is the most abundant usable form of nitrogen in the environment, and one of the main gases emitted from agriculture. NH3 contributes largely to the loss in biodiversity, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution episodes, and acidification of the water and soil bodies. Previous studies have shown that emissions of ammonia from agricultural intensification are constantly increasing, compared to pre-industrial times. Climate warming is expecting to enhance ammonia emissions, especially under the stress of increasing population, and food demand. In my thesis I study the temporal and spatial evolution of ammonia in agricultural regions around the globe as measured by IASI (Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer). The IASI series of instruments were launched aboard the Metop satellites in 2007, 2013 and 2018 on MetopA, B and C respectively. I first study the effect of meteorological fluctuations on atmospheric IASI-NH3 concentrations from agricultural practices. I then focus on the soil – atmosphere exchange by deriving NH3 soil emission factor, with an emphasis on agricultural soils in Europe, and during the growing season. To perform my studies, I use a variety of datasets: meteorological data from the EUropean Organisation for the Exploitation of METeorological SATellites (ECMWF) reanalysis (ERA5), land cover type and burned area from the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS), and model simulation data from the chemical transport model GEOS-Chem. Finally, I study the effect of land-use/cover change on atmospheric ammonia, coupled with the effect of meteorology in regions of conflict. For this, I look at the Syrian civil war, and I link the political course of events with the fluctuations in atmospheric ammonia in key regions in Syria.
