Physics-driven dynamic interpolation with application to pollution satellite images

Abstract

Satellite images using multiple wavelength channels provide crucial measurements over large areas, aiding the understanding of pollution generation and transport. However, these images often contain missing data due to cloud cover and algorithm limitations. In this paper, we introduce a novel method for interpolating missing values in satellite images by incorporating pollution transport dynamics influenced by wind patterns. Our approach utilizes a fundamental physics equation to structure the covariance of missing data, improving accuracy by considering pollution transport dynamics. To address computational challenges associated with large datasets, we implement a gradient ascent algorithm. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method through a case study, showcasing its potential for accurate interpolation in high-resolution, spatio-temporal air pollution datasets.