Estimated total emissions of trace gases from the Canberra Wildfires of 2003: a new method using satellite measurements of aerosol optical depth & the MOZART chemical transport model

摘要: Abstract. In this paper we describe a new method for estimating trace gas emissions from large vegetation fires using satellite measurements of aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 550 nm, combined with an atmospheric chemical transport model. The uses threshold value to screen out normal levels AOD that may be caused by raised dust, sea salt aerosols or diffuse smoke transported distant fires. Using infer estimated total emission 15±5 Tg carbon monoxide, 0.05±0.02 hydrogen cyanide, 0.11±0.03 ammonia, 0.25±0.07 formaldehyde, 0.03±0.01 acetylene, 0.10±0.03 ethylene, ethane, 0.21±0.06 formic acid and 0.28±0.09 methanol released the atmosphere Canberra 2003. An assessment uncertainties in is made show our estimate agrees (within expected uncertainties) estimates current conventional methods multiplying together factors area burned, fuel load, combustion efficiency factor monoxide. A simpler derived directly also shown agreement estimates, suggesting may, under certain meteorological conditions, applied without complication suitable distinct fire episodes although it has some significant uncertainties, these are largely independent inherent techniques. Thus conclude useful additional tool characterising