Impact of Meteorology on Air Pollution in Southeast Asia: Pandora Spectrometer and Gems Spectral Observations

Fernando Santos, Tan Li, Abdus Salam, Surassawadee Phoompanich, Mohd Latif, Erna Adiningsih, Liya E. Yu, Santo V. Salinas

Published	3 August 2025
Journal	IGARSS 2025 – 2025 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium
Pages	4674-4677
Publisher	IEEE
DOI	10.1109/igarss55030.2025.11243363

Aerosol optical properties and remote sensing Urban and indoor air quality in Dhaka

Abstract

This study investigates the increasing air pollution levels in Southeast Asia (SEA), particularly in Singapore, driven by industrial emissions, transport activities, and intensive agricultural practices since the pre-industrial era. We analyze the influence of atmospheric circulation and meteorological conditions on the dispersion and transport of pollutants. Utilizing the Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS) alongside ground-based data from the Pandora spectrophotometer, we examine the monthly distribution and characterize meteorological patterns affecting trace gas levels, specifically nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and formaldehyde (HCHO) from June 2023 to May 2024. Our findings highlight the role of stagnant air masses, sudden wind shifts in exacerbating pollution episodes, and the transboundary transport of pollutants influenced by regional wind patterns. The results underscore the necessity of integrating satellite and ground-based remote sensing networks to enhance the understanding and management of air quality in SEA, aiming to improve readiness for pollution events and reduce measurement uncertainties across the region.

Abstract © the authors and IEEE.

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