ATMOSPHERIC RADIATION LABORATORY
Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
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Air pollution is increasingly recognized as a global environmental challenge that requires understanding emission sources, atmospheric transport, and chemical transformation processes across local, regional, and global scales. Climate change is closely linked to air pollution through complex feedbacks involving radiation, atmospheric chemistry, and meteorology. Remote sensing provides a powerful capability to observe atmospheric composition over broad spatial domains with consistent coverage.
The primary focus of the Atmospheric Radiation Laboratory (ARL) is to advance the understanding of radiative transfer processes in the atmosphere and to quantify air quality and atmospheric composition using satellite and ground-based remote sensing techniques. Our major target species include aerosols (particulate matter), O₃, NO₂, SO₂, HCHO, and CO₂, which play critical roles in air pollution, climate forcing, and atmospheric chemistry.
Overview
Overview
Our research focuses on the critical roles of aerosols and gases in regulating radiative forcing and driving atmospheric chemistry. We advance remote sensing capabilities by developing high-fidelity retrieval algorithms applied to a diverse array of satellite instruments (GOCI, AMI, MODIS, OMI). By leveraging AI and big-data methodologies, we integrate satellite products into unified frameworks that estimate surface concentrations with unprecedented precision.
Since the 2020 launch of GEMS, our laboratory has led the development of inversion algorithms for this pioneering geostationary mission. Our methodological suite—combining physics-based radiative transfer and optical absorption spectroscopy with cutting-edge artificial intelligence—provides high-resolution, near-real-time monitoring of air quality and transboundary pollution across Asia. These efforts are essential for understanding the dynamic emission patterns of one of the world’s most industrialized regions.
As a key contributor to the global "GEO Ring" alongside NASA and ESA, we are shaping the future of global atmospheric monitoring. Our involvement in new initiatives across the Middle East, Africa, and the Southern Hemisphere (MEASMA, GEO-SA, GEO-AUS) ensures that our research translates into global public health protection and sustainable environmental strategies. We aim to provide the definitive data required for the next generation of atmospheric science and policy.
Research Areas
Research Areas
Satellite Remote Sensing of Air Quality and Climate Change
Our research focuses on deciphering the Earth’s atmospheric composition through cutting-edge satellite remote sensing. We specialize in developing advanced retrieval algorithms that transform raw satellite data into high-resolution insights on air pollutants and greenhouse gases, including aerosols, O3, NO2, SO2, CO2, and CH4. By integrating rigorous ground-based validation, we ensure the precision and consistency required for global environmental monitoring.
As a pioneer in geostationary Earth observation, our laboratory has been instrumental in aerosol monitoring through missions such as GOCI and AMI. Today, we lead the algorithm development for the Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS), providing unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution to track air quality and transboundary pollution across Asia. We bridge the gap between complex physical modeling and real-world environmental solutions.
Development of Retrieval Algorithm for Aerosols and Gases
Development of Retrieval Algorithm for Aerosols and Gases
We leverage the distinct spectral signatures left by aerosols and trace gases as they interact with radiation to monitor our atmosphere. Our laboratory develops advanced inverse methods that utilize hyperspectral observations to determine atmospheric composition and properties. By combining radiative transfer modeling with cutting-edge inversion techniques, we provide accurate data products that are rigorously validated through global observation networks, including ground-based and airborne platforms. This comprehensive framework ensures the reliability of our satellite-derived environmental insights.
Monitoring Ozone Layer
Monitoring Ozone Layer
With a legacy spanning over four decades, the Atmospheric Radiation Laboratory (ARL) at Yonsei University established Korea’s first systematic ozone monitoring station in 1984. As WMO Station No. 252, the Wolbong Ozone Observatory integrates long-term observations from Dobson, Brewer, and PANDORA instruments into the Global Ozone Observing System (GO3OS).
Beyond tracking long-term ozone trends and vertical profiles, our research extends to the broader impacts of solar radiation. We provide high-precision measurements of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, focusing on its biological effects—ranging from human health indicators like DNA damage and Vitamin D production to ecological impacts on plant life. Our datasets remain a cornerstone for atmospheric and environmental health research in the region.
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