Articles | Volume 19, issue 18
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-19-6099-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-19-6099-2026
Research article
 | 
25 Sep 2026
Research article |  | 25 Sep 2026

Global variability in the detectability of power plant NO2 plumes from space

Ruizhe Huang and Sherrie Wang

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Cited articles

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Short summary
We analyzed satellite observations of over 6000 power plants worldwide to determine when their nitrogen dioxide plumes are visible from space. Using machine learning, we found that detectability depends not only on the amount emitted but also on wind, terrain elevation, surface brightness, and satellite viewing angle. Identical emissions can therefore be seen or missed depending on local conditions. Accounting for these factors can improve satellite-based estimates of air pollution.
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