Spatio-temporal characterization of PM10 concentration across Abu Dhabi Emirate (UAE).

The abundance and recurrence of particulate matter in Abu Dhabi Emirate (ADE), are often derived from different emission sources such as the combustion of hydrocarbon, producing much of the PM2.5 found in outdoor air, as well as a significant proportion of PM10. Wind-blown dust from open desert areas and construction sites, landfills and agriculture, brush/waste burning, and industrial sources, has contributed markedly to the problem of the spread of haze and the long-range movement of pollutants in the country.

Large seasonal swings in leaf area of Amazon rainforests.

Despite early speculation to the contrary, all tropical forests studied to date display seasonal variations in the presence of new leaves, flowers, and fruits. Past studies were focused on the timing of phenological events and their cues but not on the accompanying changes in leaf area that regulate vegetation-atmosphere exchanges of energy, momentum, and mass. Here we report, from analysis of 5 years of recent satellite data, seasonal swings in green leaf area of approximately 25% in a majority of the Amazon rainforests.