Date of Defense
11-11-2024 7:00 PM
Location
H1-1116
Document Type
Thesis Defense
Degree Name
Master of Urban Planning (MUP)
College
CHSS
Department
Geography & Urban Planning
First Advisor
Dr. Khalid Hussein
Keywords
Aerosol Optical Depth, MODIS Products, Angström Exponent, Remote Sensing, Dust Storm, Industrial Emissions, Air Quality, Temporal Variability, COVID-19 Imp
Abstract
This thesis investigates atmospheric aerosol concentrations, with a particular focus on the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study maps the spatial and temporal variations in Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and characterizes aerosols using high-resolution Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products. The primary objective of this research is to enhance the understanding of aerosol dynamics in the UAE by distinguishing between natural and anthropogenic aerosols through the Angström Exponent (AE) and assessing their impacts on local climate, air quality, and public health. The study employs Remote Sensing (RS) techniques to conduct detailed environmental assessments, analyzing AOD variability across daily, monthly, seasonal, and annual timescales. This includes examining the influence of natural phenomena, such as dust storms, and human activities, such as industrial emissions and transportation. The analysis reveals significant trends and fluctuations in AOD driven by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Daily variability is marked by extreme values during dust storms, while monthly and seasonal variabilities show peaks during the summer due to increased dust activity and industrial emissions. Annual variability reflects long-term trends influenced by industrial growth and meteorological conditions, with notable reductions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research provides critical insights into the impacts of various aerosol sources and advances the application of remote sensing technology in environmental assessments. The study's findings contribute to a better understanding of aerosol dynamics and their implications for climate models, air quality management, and public health strategies.
QUANTIFYING AEROSOL CONCENTRATIONS AND PARTICLE SIZES IN THE UAE ATMOSPHERE USING REMOTE SENSING
H1-1116
This thesis investigates atmospheric aerosol concentrations, with a particular focus on the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study maps the spatial and temporal variations in Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and characterizes aerosols using high-resolution Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products. The primary objective of this research is to enhance the understanding of aerosol dynamics in the UAE by distinguishing between natural and anthropogenic aerosols through the Angström Exponent (AE) and assessing their impacts on local climate, air quality, and public health. The study employs Remote Sensing (RS) techniques to conduct detailed environmental assessments, analyzing AOD variability across daily, monthly, seasonal, and annual timescales. This includes examining the influence of natural phenomena, such as dust storms, and human activities, such as industrial emissions and transportation. The analysis reveals significant trends and fluctuations in AOD driven by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Daily variability is marked by extreme values during dust storms, while monthly and seasonal variabilities show peaks during the summer due to increased dust activity and industrial emissions. Annual variability reflects long-term trends influenced by industrial growth and meteorological conditions, with notable reductions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research provides critical insights into the impacts of various aerosol sources and advances the application of remote sensing technology in environmental assessments. The study's findings contribute to a better understanding of aerosol dynamics and their implications for climate models, air quality management, and public health strategies.