Chinese sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission controls were given a major strengthening in the 11th Five-Year-Plan.
Regulations have resulted in reduced NOx emissions from major point sources over much of the Eastern US as shown by OMI's Continuous Emission Monitoring System data.
OMI observes large decrease of South American biomass burning in 2008
High thin clouds are difficult to detect from space. The first comprehensive climatology of thin clouds has been developed with the HIRDLS limb viewing infrared radiometer.
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused a significant reduction in nitrogen dioxide emissions.
Aggressive air quality regulations of emission reductions show results in Aura's OMI imagery.
The eruption of Sarychev Peak (Kurile Islands) in mid-June 2009 produced a large stratospheric sulfur dioxide cloud that spread rapidly eastward in strong jet stream winds.
Aerosol measurements from Aura's OMI instrument
Progress of 2009 Antarctic Ozone Hole
09.16.2009 - The annual ozone hole has started developing over the South Pole, and it appears that it will be comparable to ozone depletions over the past decade.
What's Holding Antarctic Sea Ice Back From Melting?
09.01.2009 - Sea ice at the other end of the world has been making headlines in recent years for retreating at a breakneck pace. Satellite measurements show that, on average, Arctic sea ice has decreased by four percent per decade.
Five Years of Aura
07.15.2009 - Aura has fulfilled its requirement for a 5 year lifetime and continues to provide high quality science.
Smoke Over the Amazon
06.30.2009 - Prior to widespread human settlement and forest clearing, there was no such thing as a fire season in the Amazon Rainforest.
Satellite Measurements Help Reveal Ozone Damage to Important Crops
05.27.2009 - The U.S. soybean crop is suffering nearly $2 billion in damage a year due to rising surface ozone concentrations harming plants and reducing the crop's yield potential, a NASA-led study has concluded.