Atmospheric products are needed to answer a wide array of questions posed by NEESPI. There is evidence of significant changes in the atmosphere in the NEESPI region. The impact of these changes on ecosystem functioning, and any potential feedbacks are of primary importance at a wide range of scales. For example, changing precipitation patters, among with other processes, impact runoff into the Arctic Ocean and its salinity. Aerosols from biomass burning can alter radiative forcing at local and regional scales, modify precipitation regimes, reduce air quality and pose significant health hazards.