Change in Ammonia Concentration and Burned Area (IMAGE)
Caption
The map on the left depicts the change in ammonia concentration in three regions of Africa from 2008 to 2018. The map on the right shows changes in burned area between 2008 and 2018. While biomass burning is one source of ammonia concentration increase, agricultural activities such as raising livestock and using fertilizer are also major sources. In West Africa and Lake Victoria, concentration increased over time. In South Sudan, it decreased. Ammonia is an air pollutant which can lead to heart and lung related illness. When present in excess in an ecosystem, it can make soil more acidic and hinder plant growth.
Credit
NASA's Earth Observatory / Joshua Stevens
Usage Restrictions
No restrictions.
License
Public Domain