The deterioration of materials from air pollution as derived from satellite and ground based observations

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel satellite-based method for estimating material deterioration due to air pollution, expanding the application of Dose-Response Functions beyond ground measurements to areas lacking in situ data.

Contribution

It proposes a new approach using satellite data to estimate material corrosion, enabling assessments in regions without ground-based measurements.

Findings

Satellite data can effectively replace ground measurements for DRFs.

The approach broadens the scope of air pollution impact studies.

Satellite observations from MODIS, OMI, and AIRS are utilized.

Abstract

Dose-Response Functions (DRFs) are widely used in estimating corrosion and/or soiling levels of materials used in constructions and cultural monuments. These functions quantify the effects of air pollution and environmental parameters on different materials through ground based measurements of specific air pollutants and climatic parameters. Here, we propose a new approach where available satellite observations are used instead of ground-based data. Through this approach, the usage of DRFs is expanded in cases/areas where there is no availability of in situ measurements, introducing also a totally new field where satellite data can be shown to be very helpful. In the present work satellite observations made by MODIS (MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on board Terra and Aqua, OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) on board Aura and AIRS (Atmospheric Infrared Sounder) on board Aqua have been used.