K. J. Pearson

Papers

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About

K. J. Pearson is a leading figure in satellite remote sensing of atmospheric aerosols, with a career dedicated to advancing our understanding of aerosol optical properties and their climatic impacts. Their primary research focuses on developing and maintaining long-term, high-resolution global aerosol data records from spaceborne instruments. Pearson’s most notable contribution is the creation of a groundbreaking 24-year (1995–2022) dataset of global atmospheric aerosol optical depth, derived from the ATSR and SLSTR series of dual-view satellite instruments. This work uniquely provides both total aerosol optical depth and fine-mode aerosol optical depth—the latter being a key indicator of anthropogenic pollution. By leveraging the dual-view capability at approximately 1-km resolution, Pearson’s dataset offers unprecedented detail for studying aerosol sources, transport, and trends over decades. This seminal paper, published in 2025, has already garnered 4 citations, reflecting its immediate impact. Pearson’s sustained efforts in producing and validating this climate data record have been instrumental for climate modeling, air quality research, and policy-making, solidifying their reputation as a meticulous and innovative scientist in Earth observation.