Abstract

Daniel Rosenfeld recently illustrated that satellite data could be used to study the effects of industrial pollution on rainfall in southern Australia. An examination of Rosenfeld's technique was done to find if it is reasonable to study these effects in other parts of the world. Tropical Rainfal... Show moreDaniel Rosenfeld recently illustrated that satellite data could be used to study the effects of industrial pollution on rainfall in southern Australia. An examination of Rosenfeld's technique was done to find if it is reasonable to study these effects in other parts of the world. Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) satellite data were used in regions near Wuham and Hong Kong, China; Adelaide and Melbourne, Australia; Los Angeles, California; and Mexico City, Mexico. Information about cloud reflectivity and precipitation were calculated using TRMM data in the visible, infrared, and microwave channels. Relationships among industrial air pollution and precipitation were examined using the following criteria: the reflective clouds should be fairly close to the industrialized region, the wind direction must indicate that pollution was headed toward areas with high reflectivity, and precipitation should be suppressed in those areas. After analyzing eighteen cases, it was found that the technique worked for eight cases with some limitations. In some regions precipitation did not seem to be related to cloud reflectivity. Additionally, precipitation was incompletely suppressed in areas with high reflectivity, demonstrating that the technique needs further development. Show less