Date of Publication

2022

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Physics with Specialization in Materials Science

Subject Categories

Physics

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Physics

Thesis Advisor

Edgar A. Vallar

Defense Panel Chair

Maria Cecilia D. Galvez

Defense Panel Member

Prane Mariel Ong
Ofelia T. Rempillo

Abstract/Summary

Aerosols are solid or liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere. Satellite remote sensing has provided aerosol optical depth (AOD), which is the measurement of solar absorption by atmospheric aerosols. Satellite remote sensing for air quality assessment provides information over a large spatial coverage and time period that shows the trends and effects of anthropogenic activities. Using data collected from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Terra satellite from the years 2010 to 2020, the spatiotemporal variations to aerosol optical depth (AOD) in Koronadal City and Quezon City were studied. Validation showed a strong relationship between the MODIS AOD values and the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) AOD values (R2 = 0.83) and a low root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.26. Annual variation in the AOD of the two study areas showed a peak AOD value in 2015 due to an immense biomass burning in Indonesia and a low AOD value in 2020 due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Koronadal City experienced a high AOD value during the fall season due to aerosols from biomass burning in Indonesia that were carried by the southwest monsoon. Quezon City experienced a high AOD value during spring from increased local sources, as well as long-range transport pollutants from East Asia that were carried by northeasterly winds. Overall, this study provides an understanding of the spatiotemporal variations in aerosols in the Philippines, which could be used in environmental management, air quality regulations, and health assessment studies. This shows the urgency of monitoring and mitigating poor air quality in the Philippines.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Physical Description

xvi, 49 leaves

Keywords

MODIS (Spectroradiometer)

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Embargo Period

7-10-2022

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