Conveners:

Chengzhi Xing (Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, CAS)

Chengxin Zhang (University of Science and Technology of China)

Session Scope & Topics:

This special issue focuses on advanced technologies and methodologies in hyperspectral remote sensing of trace gases. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Advances in retrieval algorithms for satellite, airborne, and ground-based platforms
• Developments in novel detection instruments and observational techniques
• Applications of trace gases in atmospheric environmental and global climate change research

It aims to foster deep integration and innovation across multi-scale hyperspectral observation, retrieval, and mechanistic studies.

Conveners:

Linlu Mei (International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals)

Xing Yan (Beijing Normal University)
Lu She (Ningxia University)

Session Scope & Topics:

This session focuses on retrieval algorithms, products, and applications of aerosol passive remote sensing. Key topics include: advances in radiative transfer models for aerosol passive optical remote sensing; aerosol parameter retrieval techniques, from physics-based to fully data-driven methods; validation of aerosol retrieval products and uncertainty analysis; and representative applications of aerosol products in climate and environmental research.

Conveners:

Feiyue Mao, Wuhan University

Jiqiao Liu, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Session Scope & Topics:

This session focuses on high-precision calibration, retrieval, validation and applications of cloud-aerosol satellite lidars. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Signal calibration, layer identification and parameter retrievals of cloud-aerosol satellite lidars (e.g., CALIPSO, ACDL, ATLID);
• Uncertainty analysis and validation under diverse scenes (day/night, ocean/land, polar regions);
• Synergistic observations and data fusion with multiple satellite and ground-based sensors;
• Applications of lidar products in atmospheric environment and climate research.

Conveners:

Bin Zou (Central South University)

Jing Wei (Peking University)

Session Scope & Topics:

This session focuses on the formation, monitoring, and population health impacts of air pollutants. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Multi-platform observations and remote sensing applications for air quality monitoring.
• Integration of physical models and advanced machine learning for air pollutant (e.g., PM_2.5, NO₂, O₃, CO) modeling and forecasting.
• Numerical and chemical transport modeling of pollutant transport, transformation, and spatial distribution.
• Mechanistic and source attribution analysis of pollution episodes.
• Population exposure assessment and quantification of health risks.

We aim to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and provide scientific evidence for environmental management and public health policy.

Conveners:

Zengliang Zang, National University of Defense Technology

Fei Jiang, Nanjing University

Session Scope & Topics:

This session focuses on the data assimilation of air pollutants and greenhouse gases, as well as their applications in model forecasting, emission inversions, and other areas. Topics of interests include, but are not limited to:

• Assimilation for multi-source atmospheric environment observations from ground-based, satellite, radar, aircraft, balloons, and other sources
• Variational assimilation, ensemble Kalman filtering, machine learning and other data assimilation methods
• Application of data assimilation in numerical forecasting, emission inversions, and pollution control.

Conveners:

Kai Qin (China University of Mining and Technology)

Lulu Shen (Peking University)

Qiansi TU(Tongji University)

Session Scope & Topics:

This session focuses on the observation, quantification, and comprehensive impacts of methane emissions. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Multi-platform methane observation technologies (satellite, aircraft/UAV, ground-based, and underground, e.g., mines)
• Emission quantification methods such as top-down and bottom-up approaches
• Impacts of methane emissions on the climate system and ecological

Conveners:

Kaixu Bai (East China Normal University)

Qiangqiang Yuan (Wuhan University)

Session Scope & Topics:

This session aims to explore advanced techniques—including spatiotemporal fusion, data assimilation, and machine learning—to comprehensively improve the data quality, spatial–temporal resolution, and consistency of atmospheric satellite remote sensing products. Core topics focus on:

• multi-source satellite data spatiotemporal fusion
• reconstruction of missing observations
• multimodal observation data fusion and assimilation methodologies,
• other pathways to enhance data quality for atmospheric composition and climate applications.

Conveners:

Zhongwei Huang (Lanzhou university, China)

Liang Mei (Dalian University of Technology, China)

Session Scope & Topics:

This session focuses on the instruments, techniques, algorithms of ground-based atmospheric environmental remote sensing. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Development and calibration of remote sensing instruments
• Retrieval algorithms and their validation
• multimodal observation data fusion and assimilation methodologies,
• Data quality control and multi-source data fusion techniques

Conveners:

Zhengqiang Li, Aerospace Information Research Institute, CAS

Kai Qin, China University of Mining and Technology

Dacheng Wang, Aerospace Information Research Institute, CAS

Session Scope & Topics:

This session focuses on the retrieval algorithms, validation, and multi-source synergistic fusion of greenhouse gas (GHG) satellite remote sensing products. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Retrieval theory, methods, and algorithms for greenhouse gas (e.g., CO₂, CH₄) satellite products;
• Calibration, validation, and uncertainty quantification of GHG satellite observations;
• Multi-source data fusion and cross-scale integration from satellite, airborne, and ground-based observations.

Conveners:

Nan Hao, European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT)

Frank Ruethrich, European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT)

Lin Chen, National Satellite Meteorological Center, China Meteorological Administration (CMA)

Session Scope & Topics:

This session focuses on the calibration, in-orbit characterization, and validation activities essential for ensuring the accuracy and long-term stability of Level-1 data from atmospheric composition satellites. Emphasis is placed on experiences and lessons from recently launched and newly operational missions. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Pre-launch characterization and in-flight calibration (radiometric, spectral) for atmospheric spectrometers;
• Onboard calibration systems, strategies, and long-term stability monitoring;
• Characterization of instrumental effects (e.g., spectral response, radiometric sensitivity, stray light, polarization, detector non-uniformity);
• Cross-calibration and consistency analysis between different sensors (e.g., LEO and GEO);
• Calibration and validation practices supporting missions such as EPS-SG/Sentinel-5, MTG-S/Sentinel-4, MicroCarb, FY3H, FY4B, DQ-1 and other new atmospheric satellites.