Scientists use GOES data to monitor fires and smoke associated with wildfires, prescribed burns, deforestation and other agricultural applications, collectively referred to as biomass burning. Biomass burning is a distinct biogeochemical process that plays a major role in the global carbon cycle impacting both regional and global climate change. Biomass burning releases significant amounts of trace gases and particulates into the atmosphere.

Below is a visible satellite image showing smoke from a forest fire. Smoke reflects solar radiation and is easy to track by a series of goestationary satellite images during the daytime.

Low orbiting polar satellites offer striking snapshots images of fires but can't track smoke plumes like GOES can. (why?)

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