Using remote sensing data for ecological air monitoring in Galapagos protected natural areas

• M.L Rosero Vallejo

  1)State University of Land Use Planning, 10/2 Kazakova St., 105064, Moscow, Russian Federation

  Автор

• O.A. Khlebosolova

  Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting (MGRI), 23 Miklukho-Maklaya St., 117997, Moscow, Russian Federation

  Автор

This paper presents the results of an assessment of the state of
atmospheric air based on remote sensing data for 2001-2025 in areas of high
natural value in the Republic of Ecuador – within the Galapagos National Park
(7995.4 km2) and the Galapagos Marine Reserve (133.000 km2). Aerosol optical
depth (AOD) from MODIS and column amounts of NO2, SO2 and CH4 from
Sentinel-5P/TROPOMI were analyzed. Data processing was carried out using the
Google Earth Engine platform; spatial distribution maps and time series were
generated to detect interannual variability and anomalous events. The results show
that variations in aerosol loading and gaseous pollutants are driven by the
combined effects of volcanic activity, regional atmospheric transport and
anthropogenic factors related to shipping and tourism. Maximum SO2
concentrations are associated with periods of increased activity of Fernandina and
Isabela volcanoes, while AOD and NO2 anomalies reflect contributions from both
natural and anthropogenic sources. The findings demonstrate the high value of
satellite observations for air-quality monitoring under conditions of a sparse
ground-based network and support the need to develop a unified environmental
monitoring system within the Galapagos protected natural areas.

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