Alaska PM2.5 Estimates from Wildfire Emissions Modeling

NASA provides simulated PM2.5 concentration estimates over Alaska for the years 2001 through 2015. The data are gridded at a 0.1-degree resolution, covering the fire season months from May to September each year. This model output integrates wildfire emissions data from the WFEIS and ABoVE WDoB datasets with atmospheric dispersion modeling via HYSPLIT.

Use Cases

• Analyzing spatial patterns of PM2.5 concentrations across Alaska during fire seasons.
• Studying interannual variability in wildfire-driven air pollution from 2001 to 2015.
• Validating or comparing other atmospheric dispersion models for particulate matter.
• Assessing potential human health and ecosystem impacts from fine particulate matter.
• Integrating modeled PM2.5 data with satellite observations or ground station measurements.

Strengths

• Provides a 15-year modeled time series (2001-2015) for consistent seasonal analysis.
• Utilizes a specific, high-resolution spatial grid of 0.1 degrees for detailed mapping.
• Integrates multiple authoritative sources, including the WFEIS emissions inventory and ABoVE wildfire data.
• Cross-platform presence on Data.gov and NASA EarthData signals established credibility and importance.

Limitations

• Data is simulated model output, not direct observational measurements.
• Spatial coverage is limited to the state of Alaska.
• Sources conflict on the last update date: Data.gov lists 2026, while NASA EarthData lists 2015.
• Specific column names and dataset size metrics are not provided by any source.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Modeling process utilizing the Wildland Fire Emissions Inventory System (WFEIS), the ABoVE Wildfire Date of Burning (WDoB) dataset, and the HYSPLIT atmospheric dispersion model.

Time Range

2001 to 2015

Freshness

2026-03-12 21:28:25.560204

Geography

Alaska, U.S.