Title: Synergetic use of TERRA/MODIS imagery and meteorological data for studying aerosol dust events in Cyprus

Authors: Adrianos Retalis, Silas C. Michaelides

Addresses: Institute of Environmental Research and Sustainable Development, National Observatory of Athens, Metaxa and V. Pavlou, Palaia Pendeli, Athens GR 152-36, Greece. ' Meteorological Service, Larnaka Airport, P.O. Box 43059, Nicosia CY-6650, Cyprus

Abstract: This paper presents the results from the analysis of TERRA/Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) images for the detection and mapping of particulate air pollution in Cyprus. For this purpose, a set of selected air pollution events for the year 2002 was used, mainly associated with dust transported over the area from the surrounding deserts. The results depict the potential of the use of remotely sensed data (MODIS) for monitoring and air pollution quality mapping at a full extent over Cyprus, providing useful information that could be used in combination with other available data sources (meteorological data, ground-based air pollution monitoring stations, etc.).

Keywords: desert dust; air pollution; AOT; aerosol optical thickness; MODIS; moderate resolution imaging spectrometer; synoptic classification; air quality; Cyprus.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2009.021822

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2009 Vol.36 No.1/2/3, pp.139 - 150

Published online: 05 Dec 2008 *

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