posted on Oct, 12 2004 @ 09:50 PM
A global map of nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere has revealed the most precise view yet of pollution hotspots around the world.
The map, based on 18 months� worth of satellite data, shows very high levels of NO2 above major European and North American cities and across much of
north-east China.
www.newscientist.com...
Although NO2 is formed naturally by lightning and by microbes in the ground, it is also released into the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels
by power plants, heavy industry and vehicles. Large quantities of the gas can cause respiratory problems and lung damage, and can also contribute to
harmful ozone forming near ground level.
This map even shows hotspots in shipping lanes! The worst pollution spots are from heavily populated areas of course but it is interesting to see what
overpopulation and industry is doing to the earth!