Distinguishing Natural Aerosols from Human Pollution

By measuring precisely how much light is reflected at visible and near-infrared wavelengths, the MODIS sensors can also distinguish between aerosol plumes of large particles (more than 1 micrometer) and small particles (less than 1 micrometer).

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Images and animations by Reto Stockli, NASA Earth Observatory Team, based upon data provided by the MODIS Atmosphere Science Team, NASA GSFC

Published September 18, 2002