A decade of change in aerosol properties over the Indian subcontinent

摘要: [1] Changing atmospheric aerosol properties caused by anthropogenic activities carries serious implications for climate change and human health. The launch of the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) onboard Terra spacecraft more than a decade ago provides first capability to monitor several physical aerosols over land from space. We use ten years (Mar 2000–Feb 2010) observations MISR quantify seasonal linear trends optical depth (τ) segregated particle size shape Indian subcontinent. Here we show that many regions (referred here as hotspots) have statistically significant (i.e., p < 0.05) in τ, with τ increasing range 0.1–0.4 last decade. These hotspots are associated urban centers densely-populated rural areas. Based on shape, demonstrate trends, facilitated topography synoptic scale meteorology, attributed rise particles additional contribution natural oceanic regions. spatial patterns suggest greater complexity quantifying potential aerosol-induced regional air quality effects, particularly at coarser scales.