Russian wildfire smoke and carbon monoxide analyzed and imaged by NASA satellite

Broad, dangerous levels of carbon monoxide have been detected
over western Russia by NASA satellites.  See a larger image below.
(NASA)

With wildfires raging across Russia in the wake of an extreme heat wave, the smoke and smog from the fires and their chemical byproducts have created a health emergency in the nation. NASA satellites have turned not only their cameras but also other sensors on the area to help analyze the dangers presented.

Photographic sensors have documented the number of fires (nearly 600) and the smoke as it covers more than 1,000 miles across the nation. The images taken from a lofty perch 22,300 miles above the surface show the amazing extent of the haze that has blanketed Moscow and many other cities.

• Don't miss: Complete slideshow of NASA images over recent weeks documenting the wildfires in Russia

NASA also has released a temperature map (image below) showing just how hot it has been in western Russia and eastern Siberia. The temperature anomaly map shows the Russian Federation from July 20 – July 27, 2010 and large areas are seen as having experienced surface temperatures well above normal.

Instruments on board NASA’s Terra spacecraft have also allowed the measurement of carbon monoxide. The colorless and odorless gas is a byproduct of the smoke from the fires and poses a health risk as it limits the amount of oxygen that can be carried by the blood.

Readings taken by the Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) sensor on Terra show dangerous levels of the gas above Moscow and much of western Russia – see image below. Yesterday it was reported that the mortality rate in Moscow was double its normal levels, at least in part due to the smog caused by the fires.

Smoke and fires over western Russia (NASA)

Russian Federation Temperature Anomaly Map - July 20 to July 27, 2010. (NASA)

Carbon Monoxide Measurements Taken by Satellite - August 1 to August 8, 2010. (NASA)