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Doctoral Fellowships
Integration of Satellite Observations and Ground Monitoring and its
Application for Assessing Exposure to PM in Israel
Particulate matter air pollution (PM) is usually characterized by its size and chemical composition,
which may affect its diverse health effects. Recent studies, based on standard ground monitoring
data, revealed significant associations between fine particles (diameter<2.5µm) and human health.
Satellite-based observations can provide an answer to some ground monitoring limitations, since
satellite imagery allows environmental mapping at a large spatial scale. This study examines how
satellite observations can be used for gaining better understanding of regional air quality in Israel
for deriving reliable human health risk metrics. Initially we are developing a dust classification
model defining dust/anthropogenic PM sources. Furthermore, this work consists of retrieval
of data from different sources, including a new high resolution product from NASA, and the
development of methods for linking, integrating, and assimilating these databases. The work has
merit not only from a scientific standpoint, as the results are expected to present additional tools
for policy makers for introducing appropriate guidelines and regulations.
Research publications
(1)
Sorek-Hamer, M., Cohen, A., Levy, R.C., Ziv, B., & Broday, D.M. (2013). Classi cation of dust days by satellite
remotely sensed aerosol products.
International Journal of Remote Sensing, 34
(8), 2672-2688.
(2)
Sorek-Hamer, M., Strawa, A.W., Chatfield, R.B., Esswein, R., Cohen, A., & Broday, D.M. (2013). Improved retrieval of
PM
2.5
from satellite data products using non-linear methods.
Environmental Pollution, 182
, 417–423.
Fellow
Meytar Sorek-Hamer
Technion - Israel Institute
of Technology
Supervisor
David Broday
2011-2014