"Aerosols particles damage forests and crops and affect the climate, either cooling or heating it."

Why Does NASA Measure Aerosols? Aerosols are tiny particles suspended in the earth’s atmosphere. Small particles (and PM2.5 in particular) can get deep into the lungs where they have been linked to respiratory problems (decreased lung function, asthma), cardiovascular problems, and premature mortality. They alter nutrient balance from particles that contain nitrogen in lakes and streams. These particles damage forests and crops and affect the climate, either cooling or heating it.

By the end of this session, you will be able to learn -

• What are Aerosols?
• Interpreting Aerosol Imagery: Dos and Don'ts
• About  NASA Resources for generating your own visualizations

Learning Objectives -

• Explain what images & maps show
• Describe the capabilities and limitations of satellite aerosol observations
• Find and download true color, aerosol, and fire detection satellite imagery

Learners who have not completed the Fundamentals of Remote Sensing may not be prepared for the pace of the training.

This Learning Series was conducted by NASA's Applied Remote Sensing Training Program (ARSET). ARSET is a part of NASA's Applied Science's Capacity Building Program. To learn more about ARSET, click HERE.

In case of any questions regarding this Learning Series, please feel free to reach out to Ana I. Prados, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor, Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology (JCET), University of Maryland Baltimore County at aprados@umbc.edu.