Aerosol Earth
Model Visualization Credit:
NASA Earth Observatory,
GEOS FP,
Joshua Stevens
Explanation:
For August 23, 2018,
the identification and distribution of
aerosols
in the Earth's atmosphere is shown in this dramatic,
planet-wide visualization.
Produced in real time, the Goddard Earth Observing System Forward
Processing (GEOS FP)
model relies on a combination of
Earth-observing satellite and
ground-based data to calculate the presence of types of aerosols,
tiny solid particles
and liquid droplets, as they circulate above the entire planet.
This August 23rd model shows black carbon particles in red
from combustion processes,
like smoke from the fires in the United States and Canada,
spreading across large stretches of North America and Africa.
Sea salt aerosols are in blue, swirling above threatening typhoons near
South Korea and Japan, and the hurricane looming near Hawaii.
Dust shown in purple hues is blowing over African and Asian deserts.
The location of cities and towns can be found from the
concentrations of lights based on satellite image data of
the Earth at night.
Source: NASA