scholarly journals SOCIAL ISOLATION POLICIES AGAINST CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC AND ITS IMPACT ON METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVING SYSTEMS

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
María Alejandra Ruano ◽  
Manuel Zambrano
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Indirect Effects ◽  
Observation System ◽  
Meteorological Observation ◽  
Satellite Measurements ◽  
Observation Systems ◽  
The World ◽  
Meteorological Observations ◽  
Observing Systems

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced most countries in the world to adopt strict policies of social isolation. As a consequence, there have been positive and negative indirect effects on the environment. For example, some countries have reported improvements in air quality, cleaner beaches, and decreased environmental noise. However, there have also been negative indirect effects. This research aims to analyze the effects of social isolation policies on meteorological observation systems. It was found that the meteorological observations from aircraft as well as surface-based observations have been strongly affected. To a lesser extent, marine and satellite measurements have been affected. Our research highlights the importance of having a resilient and automated meteorological observation system, as well as complementary methods of monitoring the atmosphere and weather.

scholarly journals The effects of social isolation and the COVID-19 pandemic on air quality around the world

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Lopes Duarte ◽  
Cláudio Paiva Silva ◽  
Cézar Henrique Barra Rocha
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
New Disease ◽  
Virus Variant ◽  
Research Institutes ◽  
The World ◽  
Main Effects ◽  
Different Parts

In December 2019, a new virus variant was discovered in China, belonging to the coronavirus family, whose associated respiratory syndrome became known as COVID-19. Due to the ease of transmission, lethality and lack of knowledge about this new disease, several countries chose to adopt measures of social distancing, in addition to restrictions on travel and the performance of activities considered non-essential. Thus, the present study aimed to carry out a bibliographic survey about the main effects of social isolation on air quality, in some regions around the world, through consultation of scientific articles, national and international research institutes, as well such as satellite imagery. The results showed that the effects of these measurements were observed on air quality in different parts of the world, with a reduction in the levels of some of the main air pollutants, such as NO2, CO2, CO and particulate matter. In contrast, some studies showed that the concentration of O3 increased in certain regions. It was possible to conclude that the improvements observed were temporary, as they did not result from structural measures, but from transitory situations; and that the adoption of public policies to restrict the emission of pollutants is essential to reduce the incidence and aggravation of associated respiratory diseases, avoiding the overload of health systems, especially in the current pandemic scenario.  

Assessment of Observational Environments of the Automated Synoptic Observing Systems in Korea Using a CFD Model

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung-Eun Kang ◽  
Jae-Jin Kim
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Domain ◽  
Cfd Model ◽  
Meteorological Observation ◽  
Wind Speeds ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics Cfd ◽  
Meteorological Observations ◽  
Observing Systems

<p>  In this study, we analyzed the observation environments of the automated synoptic observing systems (ASOSs) using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, focusing on the observational environments of air temperatures, wind speeds, and wind directions. The computational domain sizes are 2000 m × 2000 m × 750 m, and the grid sizes are 10 m × 10 m × 5 m in the x-, y-, and z- directions, respectively. We conducted the simulations for eight inflow directions (northerly, northeasterly, easterly, southeasterly, southerly, southwesterly, westerly, northwesterly) using the ASOS-observation wind speeds and air temperatures averaged in August from 2010 to 2019. We analyzed the effects of the surrounding buildings and terrains on the meteorological observations of the ASOSs, by comparing the wind speeds, wind directions, and air temperatures simulated at the ASOSs with those of inflows. The results showed that the meteorological observation environments were quite dependent on whether there existed the obstacles and surface heating on their surfaces at the observation altitude of the ASOSs.</p>

Comparative analysis and interpretation of grace and grace-fo data

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 101-106
Author(s):  
Konstantin Simonov ◽  
◽  
Alexander Matsulev
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
World Ocean ◽  
Satellite System ◽  
Data Archive ◽  
Space Systems ◽  
Satellite Measurements ◽  
Digital Maps ◽  
The World ◽  
Grace Mission ◽  
Anomalous State

The study is devoted to the analysis of the features of the change in the Equivalent Water Height (EWH) parameter over the geoid based on satellite measurements of space systems. The study used the GRACE and GRACE-FO satellite data archive. The assessment was carried out on Earth as a whole, including land areas and the World Ocean. Interpretation of the anomalous state of the geoenvironment is performed using digital maps of the spatial distribution of the EWH parameter based on the histogram approach and correlation analysis. Also, a comparative analysis of the studied data from the GRACE mission and data from the new GRACE-FO satellite system launched into orbit in the summer of 2018 was carried out.

scholarly journals Highlighting the compound risk of COVID-19 and environmental pollutants using geospatial technology

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ram Kumar Singh ◽  
Martin Drews ◽  
Manuel De la Sen ◽  
Prashant Kumar Srivastava ◽  
Bambang H. Trisasongko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Environmental Pollutants ◽  
Atmospheric Pollutants ◽  
Geospatial Technology ◽  
The World ◽  
Community Transmission ◽  
Global Threat

AbstractThe new COVID-19 coronavirus disease has emerged as a global threat and not just to human health but also the global economy. Due to the pandemic, most countries affected have therefore imposed periods of full or partial lockdowns to restrict community transmission. This has had the welcome but unexpected side effect that existing levels of atmospheric pollutants, particularly in cities, have temporarily declined. As found by several authors, air quality can inherently exacerbate the risks linked to respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. In this study, we explore patterns of air pollution for ten of the most affected countries in the world, in the context of the 2020 development of the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that the concentrations of some of the principal atmospheric pollutants were temporarily reduced during the extensive lockdowns in the spring. Secondly, we show that the seasonality of the atmospheric pollutants is not significantly affected by these temporary changes, indicating that observed variations in COVID-19 conditions are likely to be linked to air quality. On this background, we confirm that air pollution may be a good predictor for the local and national severity of COVID-19 infections.

scholarly journals The implication of the air quality pattern in South Korea after the COVID-19 outbreak

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ja-Ho Koo ◽  
Jhoon Kim ◽  
Yun Gon Lee ◽  
Sang Seo Park ◽  
Seoyoung Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Satellite Measurements ◽  
Ordinary Life ◽  
The Social ◽  
Regional Air Quality ◽  
Long Lifetime ◽  
Positive Effect

AbstractBy using multiple satellite measurements, the changes of the aerosol optical depth (AOD) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) over South Korea were investigated from January to March 2020 to evaluate the COVID-19 effect on the regional air quality. The NO2 decrease in South Korea was found but not significant, which indicates the effects of spontaneous social distancing under the maintenance of ordinary life. The AODs in 2020 were normally high in January, but they became lower starting from February. Since the atmosphere over Eastern Asia was unusually stagnant in January and February 2020, the AOD decrease in February 2020 clearly reveals the positive effect of the COVID-19. Considering the insignificant NO2 decrease in South Korea and the relatively long lifetime of aerosols, the AOD decrease in South Korea may be more attributed to the improvement of the air quality in neighboring countries. In March, regional atmosphere became well mixed and ventilated over South Korea, contributing to large enhancement of air quality. While the social activity was reduced after the COVID-19 outbreak, the regional meteorology should be also examined significantly to avoid the biased evaluation of the social impact on the change of the regional air quality.

CAMS-Net: The Clean Air Monitoring and Solutions Network

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Westervelt ◽  
Celeste McFarlane ◽  
Faye McNeill ◽  
R (Subu) Subramanian ◽  
Mike Giordano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Air Monitoring ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Calibration Methods ◽  
The World ◽  
Clean Air

<p>There is a severe lack of air pollution data around the world. This includes large portions of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), as well as rural areas of wealthier nations as monitors tend to be located in large metropolises. Low cost sensors (LCS) for measuring air pollution and identifying sources offer a possible path forward to remedy the lack of data, though significant knowledge gaps and caveats remain regarding the accurate application and interpretation of such devices.</p><p>The Clean Air Monitoring and Solutions Network (CAMS-Net) establishes an international network of networks that unites scientists, decision-makers, city administrators, citizen groups, the private sector, and other local stakeholders in co-developing new methods and best practices for real-time air quality data collection, data sharing, and solutions for air quality improvements. CAMS-Net brings together at least 32 multidisciplinary member networks from North America, Europe, Africa, and India. The project establishes a mechanism for international collaboration, builds technical capacity, shares knowledge, and trains the next generation of air quality practitioners and advocates, including domestic and international graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. </p><p>Here we present some preliminary research accelerated through the CAMS-Net project. Specifically, we present LCS calibration methodology for several co-locations in LMICs (Accra, Ghana; Kampala, Uganda; Nairobi, Kenya; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; and Kolkata, India), in which reference BAM-1020 PM2.5 monitors were placed side-by-side with LCS. We demonstrate that both simple multiple linear regression calibration methods for bias-correcting LCS and more complex machine learning methods can reduce bias in LCS to close to zero, while increasing correlation. For example, in Kampala, Raw PurpleAir PM2.5 data are strongly correlated with the BAM-1020 PM2.5 (r<sup>2</sup> = 0.88), but have a mean bias of approximately 12 μg m<sup>-3</sup>. Two calibration models, multiple linear regression and a random forest approach, decrease mean bias from 12 μg m<sup>-3 </sup>to -1.84 µg m<sup>-3</sup> or less and improve the the r<sup>2</sup> from 0.88 to 0.96. We find similar performance in several other regions of the world. Location-specific calibration of low-cost sensors is necessary in order to obtain useful data, since sensor performance is closely tied to environmental conditions such as relative humidity. This work is a first step towards developing a database of region-specific correction factors for low cost sensors, which are exploding in popularity globally and have the potential to close the air pollution data gap especially in resource-limited countries. </p><p> </p><p> </p>

scholarly journals Estimation of photolysis frequencies from TOMS satellite measurements and routine meteorological observations

2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 1965-1975
Author(s):  
C. Topaloglou ◽  
B. Mayer ◽  
S. Kazadzis ◽  
A. F. Bais ◽  
M. Blumthaler
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Method ◽  
Radiative Transfer Model ◽  
Transfer Model ◽  
Satellite Measurements ◽  
Absolute Level ◽  
Actinic Flux ◽  
Photolysis Frequencies ◽  
Flux Measurements ◽  
Meteorological Observations ◽  
Level Of Agreement

Abstract. A study on the estimation of J(O1D) and J(NO2) photolysis frequencies when limited ground based measurements (or even no measurements at all), are available is presented in this work. Photolysis frequencies can be directly measured by chemical actinometry and filter radiometry or can be calculated from actinic flux measurements. In several meteorological stations, none of the methods above are applicable due to the absence of sophisticated instruments such as actinometers, radiometers or spectroradiometers. In this case, it is possible to calculate photolysis frequencies with reasonable uncertainty using either a) standard meteorological observations, such as ozone, cloud coverage and horizontal visibility, available in various ground based stations, as input for a radiative transfer model or b) satellite observations of solar global irradiance available worldwide, in combination with an empirical method for the conversion of irradiance in photolysis frequencies. Both methods can provide photolysis frequencies with a standard deviation between 20% and 30%. The absolute level of agreement of the retrieved frequencies to those calculated from actual actinic flux measurements, for data from all meteorological conditions, is within ±5% for J(O1D) and less than 1% for J(NO2) for the first method, while for the second method it rises up to 25% for the case of J(O1D) and 12% for J(NO2), reflecting the overestimation of TOMS satellite irradiance when compared to ground based measurements of irradiance for the respective spectral regions. Due to the universality of the methods they can be practically applied to almost any station, thus overcoming problems concerning the availability of instruments measuring photolysis frequencies.

scholarly journals Managed infrastructure and services to empower meteorological services in developing countries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Smith
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Life Cycle Management ◽  
Observation Data ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Observation Systems ◽  
Spatial Coverage ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

<p>Often in developing countries the spatial coverage with surface weather observations is sparse and the reliability of existing systems is lower than in other parts of the world. These gaps in the availability of observation data have significant negative consequences, locally and globally. For decades international funds have been used to acquire meteorological infrastructure with little to no focus on life-cycle management. Furthermore, improvements in one part of the value chain are often not connected with further downstream services meaning local benefits are generated with substantial delay, if at all.</p><p>DTN is one of the few organizations offering comprehensive solutions across the value chain from deployment and operation of observation systems through to weather analytics creating valuable insights for business, consumers and governments across the globe. DTN not only project manages the setup of weather observation systems but also maintains and operates measurement networks on different continents. The sensor agnostic approach enables us to offer the right sensor solution for each situation.</p><p>We see an opportunity to correct the mistakes of the past, changing the focus from acquiring observation systems to life cycle management to ensure the systems are maintained and leveraged effectively to provide forecasts and warnings for protection of life and property and enabling NMSs to focus on fulfilling their mission.</p><p>Funding organizations such as the World Bank must change the focus from hardware procurement to a performance-based PPE/P model that ensures the value of investments in infrastructure are realized. This sustainable approach will; ensure long lasting partnerships, harness the innovation in the private sector, create local jobs maintaining infrastructure and enable economic development through improved ability to manage the impact of weather and climate events.</p>

scholarly journals How to Help Children and Adolescents with Austism SprectrumDisorder during Covid-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
World Health ◽  
Behavioral Strategies ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
The Social ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

The Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) are distinguished by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Coronaviruses are an extremely common cause of colds and other upper respiratory infections. COVID-19, short for “coronavirus disease 2019”. The fast spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 has sparked alarm worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. Most of the countries around the world are adopting social distancing to slow the spread of coronavirus. There are several possible impacts of this pandemic on the daily lives of individuals with ASD, such as worsening of dysfunctional behaviors and regression of skills already acquired in different domains of development due to the social isolation. The objective of this article is to provide guidance to parents, health and education professionals that live or work with ASD individuals during the social isolation, on how to manage interventions that can be executed in the home environment, like remote training in language and social communication skills, behavioral strategies and sensory integration activities

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