Fig 1.1.6.6.1: Vertical column concentrations of NO2 over Africa measured by the GOME instrument in September 1997.
Image: AT2-ELS
Above East Africa the NO2 from biomass burning appears to be pumped into the upper troposphere and to travel eastwards towards Australia.
The large amounts of NO2 over Africa and Western Brazil can be attributed to biomass burning and lightning. The peak of the NO2 plume is probably above the biomass burning in Congo and eastern Africa, but a persistent pollution high of NO2 can be seen over the industrial region of South Africa and the oil producing states of the Persian Gulf.
Additional NO2 may result from pollution and biomass burning on the island of Madagascar.