Mechanical Engineering

Understanding atmospheric aerosols worldwide through advances in satellite remote sensing, modeling, and ground-based measurements

November 30, 2018

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET

100 Porter Hall

Speaker

Randall Martin, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science 
Dalhousie University

Abstract

Atmospheric aerosols have major roles in global public health and radiative forcing of climate. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is the leading environmental risk factor for global burden of disease. However, ground-level monitoring remains sparse in many regions of the world. Satellite remote sensing offers a global data source to address this issue. Global modeling plays a critical role in relating these observations to ground-level concentrations. The resultant satellite-based estimates of PM2.5 indicate dramatic variation around the world, with implications for global public health. A new ground-based aerosol network offers valuable measurements to evaluate and improve satellite-based PM2.5 estimates. Satellite remote sensing at ultraviolet wavelengths provides insight into atmospheric brown carbon and radiative effects. Interpretation of Arctic aerosol observations with a chemical transport model identifies processes controlling aerosol number and climate forcing. This talk will highlight recent advances in combining satellite remote sensing, global modeling, and ground-based measurements of atmospheric aerosols to improve understanding of global population exposure and of climate processes.

Speaker bio

Randall V. Martin is Professor and Arthur B. McDonald Chair of Research Excellence in the Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science at Dalhousie University, and is a Research Associate at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. His research is at the interface of satellite remote sensing, global modeling, and measurements, with a focus on characterizing atmospheric composition to inform effective policies surrounding major environmental and public health challenges ranging from air quality to climate change. His degrees are from Cornell University (B.S.), Oxford University (M.Sc.), and Harvard University (Ph.D.). His activities include leading the global Surface Particulate Matter Network, and serving as Co-Model Scientist for the GEOS-Chem global model of atmospheric composition. His professional honors include the Langstroth Memorial Teaching Award and selection to the Royal Society of Canada. Google Scholar reports over 25,000 citations of his 200 journal publications.

Upcoming Events