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Description

In this five-part, online, intermediate-level training, multiple NASA networks provide training on their atmospheric composition ground networks. These networks provide data relevant to aerosol and trace gas column concentrations and vertical structure, supporting applications in air quality and climate. Surface networks from NASA and other international contributions form the backbone of long-term atmospheric composition observations globally and provide continuity and validation across typically shorter satellite mission lifetimes. 

This online training provides a basic understanding of aerosol and trace gas measurements using both active and passive techniques for ground based remote sensing. It also teaches users how to select, access, and incorporate relevant data from these ground networks into their work. Finally, it demonstrates an application comparing ground-based and satellite remote sensing products. The training includes lectures, hands-on exercises, and a homework assignment.

[Optional]: To follow along with the demonstrations for this training, please review optional prerequisites listed under each training part below. Please also register for an Earthdata account.

Prerequisites

Objectives

By the end of this training attendees will be able to:

  • Identify the basic characteristics, capabilities, and limitations of the NASA instruments used for ground-based active and passive remote sensing of  aerosols, ozone, and NO2.
  • Recognize how the ground networks presented in the training sustain global long-term observations, support air quality and climate applications, and complement satellite observations.
  • Access relevant atmospheric composition data from appropriate NASA ground networks for given locations and application purposes.
  • Compare and jointly analyze specific ground-based atmospheric composition data products with relevant satellite remote sensing data (e.g., satellite aerosol data products) for a given location and time.

Audience

  • Primary Target Audience: Air Quality or Climate Application & Research Scientists, Researchers at Environmental Agencies
  • Secondary Target Audience: Students and Early Career Scientists
  • Other Potential Participants: Non-Profit Organizations, Satellite Community Researchers

Course Format

  • Five, 90-minute sessions (45-60 minutes of material, plus 30 minutes Q&A)
  • 11:00-12:30 EDT (UTC-4)

Sessions

Part 1: Introduction to the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET)

Thursday, Aug. 08, 2024
Remote video URL
  • Identify the basic characteristics of the AERONET instruments used by NASA for ground-based passive remote sensing of aerosols.
  • Recognize how the AERONET network sustains global long-term observations, supports air quality and climate applications, and complements satellite observations.

ARSET Instructor

Carl Malings

Guest Instructor

 Pawan Gupta

Materials

Part 2: Hands-On Analysis of AERONET Data

Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024
Remote video URL
  • Access relevant AERONET data for given locations and application purposes.
  • Compare and jointly analyze AERONET and satellite aerosol data products for a given location and time.
    • Optional: To follow along with the demonstration, please create a Google account to login to Google Colab

ARSET Instructor

Carl Malings 

Guest Instructors

Pawan Gupta, Petar Grigorov

Materials

Part 3: Introduction to the Pandora Instrument and the Pandonia Global Network

Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024
Remote video URL
  • Identify the basic characteristics of the Pandora instruments used by NASA for ground-based passive remote sensing of trace gases.
  • Recognize how the Pandonia Global Network sustains global long-term observations, supports air quality and climate applications, and complements satellite observations.
  • Access relevant Pandora and Pandonia Global Network data for a given location and application purpose.

ARSET Instructor

Carl Malings 

Guest Instructors

 Tom Hanisco, Apoorva Pandey, Bryan Place

Materials

Part 4: Introduction to the Tropospheric Ozone LiDAR Network (TOLNet)

Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024
Remote video URL
  • Identify the basic characteristics of the TOLNet instruments used by NASA for ground-based active remote sensing of tropospheric ozone.
  • Recognize how TOLNet supports air quality and climate applications and complements satellite observations.
  • Access relevant TOLNet data for a given location and application purpose.

ARSET Instructor

Melanie Follette-Cook 

Guest Instructor

John Sullivan

Materials

Part 5: Introduction to the Micro-Pulse LiDAR Network (MPLNET)

Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024
Remote video URL
  • Identify the basic characteristics of the MPLNET instruments used by NASA for ground-based active remote sensing of aerosols, clouds, and the planetary boundary layer.
  • Recognize how MPLNET sustains global long-term observations, supports air quality and climate applications, and complements satellite observations.
  • Access relevant MPLNET data for a given location and application purpose.

ARSET Instructor

Melanie Follette-Cook 

Guest Instructor

 Judd Welton

Materials

Homework

Citation

(2024). ARSET - NASA Atmospheric Composition Ground Networks Supporting Air Quality and Climate Applications. NASA Applied Remote Sensing Training Program (ARSET). https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/learn/trainings/nasa-atmospheric-composition-ground-networks-supporting-air-quality-climate

Details

Last Updated

June 18, 2025

Published

June 17, 2025

Data Center/Project

Applied Remote Sensing Training Program (ARSET)