Publications

Betsy, KB; Mehta, SK (2025). Characteristics of dust aerosols within the atmospheric boundary layer and free troposphere over a tropical coastal station. METEOROLOGY AND ATMOSPHERIC PHYSICS, 137(3), 27.

Abstract
The seasonal characteristics and evolution of dust aerosols over Kattankulathur (12.83 degrees N, 80.04 degrees E) are studied using the analysis of 14 years (2006 to 2020) of level 1 and 2 CALIPSO (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation) data. Dust aerosol over Kattankulathur shows a substantial seasonal variation with maxima during pre-monsoon and southwest monsoon seasons associated with higher surface temperature and zonal wind. The pre-monsoon synoptic weather patterns are characterized by predominantly westerly winds, which cause an influx of dust particles. The seasonal variation of the aerosol optical depth is well correlated with surface temperature and zonal wind. The zonal wind pattern suggests that the increased AOD during monsoon is related to the transport of Arabian desert dust particles. The aerosols are mainly confined to the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). It contributes similar to 67% of the total AOD, whereas the free troposphere (FT) contributes 33%. The ABL contributes similar to 40% of the dust aerosol and similar to 27% of other types of aerosols. In comparison, FT contributes similar to 28% of the dust aerosols and similar to 11% of other types of aerosols. The dust aerosol is nearly equally contributed by ABL and FT.

DOI:
10.1007/s00703-025-01071-1

ISSN:
1436-5065