The US/Canadian Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) instrument aboard NASA's Earth Observing System Terra polar platform has produced a complete view of air pollution in the Earth's atmosphere, crossing oceans and continents.
For the first time, the data will enable policymakers and scientists to identify the major sources of air pollution and closely track its movement.
Major pollution densities result from large grassland and forest fires rather than industrial sources, says NASA. Carbon monoxide is the major air pollutant and its secondary effect is to produce ozone greenhouse gas.
Source: Flight International