October 29, 2009
High AOD levels in Baja California due to dust
Today Air now reported different areas with moderate levels in combined PM2.5 and Ozone (Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, California, Arizona and Louisiana). Nevertheless, by reading separate parameters, it is possible to see that those levels correspond exclusively to PM2.5. In addition to the moderate levels, in most of the mentioned states air quality levels reached from moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups (top left). Hazard Mapping System Fire and Smoke Product reported a remnant area of moderately dense blowing dust across portions of western Baja California and extends out to the south-southwest over the Pacific Ocean. The dust is visible in the Modis Today image(top right). GOES EAST Aerosol/Smoke Product reported high AOD levels in the Gulf of Mexico and in Baja California. The high AOD levels in Baja California are due to the dense blowing dust reported since yesterday (bottom).
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The elevated AOD levels in the western Gulf of Mexico referred to in the blog appear to be coming from the oil platforms in the southern Bay of Campeche. A distinct smoke plume was seen emanating from the platform hotspots throughout the day.
Posted by: Mark Ruminski at November 2, 2009 10:37 AM