Monitoring Trends of SO₂ level Using Time-Series Sentinel-5 Images Based on Google Earth Engine

¹ “Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers” National Research University, Kary-Niaziy str. 39, 100000 Tashkent, Uzbekistan
² Bukhara Institute of Natural Resources Management of the National Research University of “Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers”, 32, Gazli shokh Ave., Bukhara 105009, Uzbekistan

^* Corresponding author: teshaevnozim@gmail.com

Abstract

This research delves into an extensive examination of Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) column density patterns within the Tashkent region, Uzbekistan, employing advanced spatial analysis techniques facilitated by Google Earth Engine (GEE) and leveraging high-resolution Sentinel-5P satellite data. The investigation spans the critical years of 2019 and 2023, meticulously scrutinizing monthly maximum and mean SO₂ values to elucidate nuanced temporal trends -and spatial distributions. The comprehensive analysis divulges a multifaceted narrative of air quality dynamics, particularly unveiling pronounced spatial heterogeneity in SO₂ emissions across the Tashkent region. Notably, the southern expanse emerges as a focal point of heightened SO₂ concentration, prominently linked to the extensive presence of industrial complexes and manufacturing facilities. Moreover, a distinct circular pattern of elevated SO₂ concentrations concentrically encircling the capital city, Tashkent. This spatial anomaly is attributed to a numerous of anthropogenic factors, prominently including the combustion of fossil fuels within greenhouse infrastructures, compounded by the escalating vehicular emissions stemming from the increasing urban populace and its concomitant resource consumption patterns.