For mapping Earth surface movements at larger scale and smaller amplitudes, many new synthetic aperture radar instruments (Sentinel‐1A/B, Gaofen‐3, ALOS‐2) have been developed and launched from 2014–2017, and this trend is set to continue with Sentinel‐1C/D, Gaofen‐3B/C, RADARSAT Constellation planned for launch during 2018–2025. This poses more challenges for correcting interferograms for atmospheric effects since the spatial‐temporal variations of tropospheric delay may dominate over large scales and completely mask the actual displacements due to tectonic or volcanic deformation. To overcome this, we have developed a generic interferometric synthetic aperture radar atmospheric correction model whose notable features comprise (i) global coverage, (ii) all‐weather, all‐time useability, (iii) correction maps available in near real time, and (iv) indicators to assess the correction performance and feasibility. The model integrates operational high‐resolution European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) data (0.125° grid, 137 vertical levels, and 6‐hr interval) and continuous GPS tropospheric delay estimates (every 5 min) using an iterative tropospheric decomposition model. The model's performance was tested using eight globally distributed Sentinel‐1 interferograms, encompassing both flat and mountainous topographies, midlatitude and near polar regions, and monsoon and oceanic climate systems, achieving a phase standard deviation and displacement root‐mean‐square (RMS) of ~1 cm against GPS over wide regions (250 by 250 km). Indicators describing the model's performance including (i) GPS network and ECMWF cross RMS, (ii) phase versus estimated atmospheric delay correlations, (iii) ECMWF time differences, and (iv) topography variations were developed to provide quality control for subsequent automatic processing and provide insights of the confidence level with which the generated atmospheric correction maps may be applied.

Vegetation and peatland fires cause poor air quality and thousands of premature deaths across densely populated regions in Equatorial Asia. Strong El-Niño and positive Indian Ocean Dipole conditions are associated with an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires in Indonesia and Borneo, enhancing population exposure to hazardous concentrations of smoke and air pollutants. Here we investigate the impact on air quality and population exposure of wildfires in Equatorial Asia during Fall 2015, which were the largest over the past two decades. We performed high-resolution simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting model with Chemistry based on a new fire emission product. The model captures the spatio-temporal variability of extreme pollution episodes relative to space- and ground-based observations and allows for identification of pollution sources and transport over Equatorial Asia. We calculate that high particulate matter concentrations from fires during Fall 2015 were responsible for persistent exposure of 69 million people to unhealthy air quality conditions. Short-term exposure to this pollution may have caused 11,880 (6,153–17,270) excess mortalities. Results from this research provide decision-relevant information to policy makers regarding the impact of land use changes and human driven deforestation on fire frequency and population exposure to degraded air quality.

Saudi Arabia has a long tradition of relying on fossil fuels for satisfying its energy demand. With the rising energy needs due to population growth and societal development, the nation is seeking other sources of energy, which include its largely underused wind resources. In this paper, we analyze the wind power potential in Saudi Arabia based on the MENA CORDEX (Middle East North Africa Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment) model output. We investigate which climate settings and MENA CORDEX runs best capture the spatiotemporal patterns of reanalysis products, as assessed by multiple statistical metrics. Although there is a systematic negative bias in wind speed magnitudes for the five analyzed MENA CORDEX simulations, all runs are able to reproduce the seasonality and annual cycle of wind speed shown in the reanalysis data. The MENA CORDEX run with the highest skills is used to quantify the wind energy potential in Saudi Arabia in both current and future climates. Our analysis shows that a high wind energy potential exists over a vast area of western Saudi Arabia, particularly in the region between Medina and the Red Sea coast and during summer months. Based on model projections, the energy potential in these areas is likely to persist at least until the middle of the 21st century and thus may provide a valuable renewable source of energy.

The 3D wind and turbulence characteristics of the atmospheric boundary layer experiment (3D Wind) was conducted to evaluate innovative remote sensing and in situ platforms for measurements of wind and turbulence regimes. The experiment is part of a planned series that focuses on quantifying wind and turbulence characteristics at the scales of modern wind turbines and wind farms and was conducted in northern Indiana in May 2012. 3D Wind had the following specific objectives: (i) intercomparison experiments evaluating wind speed profiles across the wind turbine rotor plane from traditional cup anemometers and wind vanes on a meteorological mast and from a tethered balloon, sonic anemometers (mast mounted and on an unmanned aerial vehicle), three vertical-pointing (continuous wave) lidars and a pulsed scanning lidar, and (ii) integrate these measurements and output from 3-km-resolution (over the inner domain) simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model to develop a detailed depiction of the a... The 3D wind and turbulence characteristics of the atmospheric boundary layer experiment (3D Wind) was conducted to evaluate innovative remote sensing and in situ platforms for measurements of wind and turbulence regimes. The experiment is part of a planned series that focuses on quantifying wind and turbulence characteristics at the scales of modern wind turbines and wind farms and was conducted in northern Indiana in May 2012. 3D Wind had the following specific objectives: (i) intercomparison experiments evaluating wind speed profiles across the wind turbine rotor plane from traditional cup anemometers and wind vanes on a meteorological mast and from a tethered balloon, sonic anemometers (mast mounted and on an unmanned aerial vehicle), three vertical-pointing (continuous wave) lidars and a pulsed scanning lidar, and (ii) integrate these measurements and output from 3-km-resolution (over the inner domain) simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model to develop a detailed depiction of the a...