Publications

Prijith, SS; Srinivasulu, J; Sai, MVRS (2021). Dominance of natural aerosols over India in pre-monsoon: inferences from the lockdown effects. CURRENT SCIENCE, 120(2), 352-359.

Abstract
Changes in absorbing and composite aerosols over India during the first phase of lockdown are examined, using multi-satellite observations. While MODIS shows -16.17 +/- 1.35% reduction in AOD over the Indian landmass, OMI shows a decrease of -22.4 +/- 1.36% (-26.2 +/- 1.17%) in AOD (AAOD). Considerable fraction of this AOD difference is contributed by the changes in aerosols at higher altitudes. While reduction in AOD of -38.05 +/- 1.06% (-39.4 +/- 1.12), -23.02 +/- 2.63% (-17.08 +/- 2.12) and -18.98 +/- 2.86% (-28.38 +/- 2.39%) is observed over IGP, Northwest and Southern Peninsula respectively from MODIS (OMI), enhancement in AOD of 5.16 +/- 2.44% (6.82 +/- 2.86%) is seen over Centralwest India. Reduction in absorbing aerosols over IGP is -39.18 +/- 1.25%, whereas that over Southern Peninsula is -33.1 +/- 2.03%. These changes are significantly contributed by the changes in dust aerosols, in addition to the decrease in anthropogenic aerosols. Though there is a reduction in aerosol loading, compared to previous years, gradual increase in AOD and AAOD is seen even during the lockdown period due to strengthening of dust transport. Moreover, the reduction in total (absorbing) aerosol loading over India during the lockdown phase is only 20% (26%), with significant contribution from higher altitudes, even in the absence of major anthropogenic sources. These results show the dominance of natural aerosols over India during pre-monsoon.

DOI:
10.18520/cs/v120/i2/352-359

ISSN:
0011-3891