This video has been produced in partnership with EUMETSAT.

Ammonia (NH3) is a highly reactive and soluble alkaline gas, and it is the most abundant alkaline gas in the atmosphere. Its sources are both natural and anthropogenic. The Agriculture industry with a high volume of livestock and a heavy use of fertilisers is the main contributor of Ammonia into our atmosphere. Other sources include biomass burning, and waste composting and processing.

Ammonia emission trends have mostly been downward since peak in late 1980s and early 1990s but have now flattened. As the climate warms, volatilisation of ammonia emissions will lead to a further rise in ammonia concentrations. Ammonia emissions contribute to a host of environmental problems, including soil acidification, reductions in biodiversity and the formation of atmospheric particulate matter, which has been linked to human health problems such as asthma.

While Ammonia only remains in the atmosphere for a short period, it reacts with acid pollutants, such as nitric acid and sulphuric acid, to produce ammonium aerosol, which is believed to influence climate.

In this video, Cathy Clerbaux explains how we can monitor concentrations of Ammonia and their sources using satellites.

Video credit: EUMETSAT

Featured Educator

• Dr Cathy Clerbaux, Senior Scientist, LATMOS

In partnership with EUMETSAT