Investigation of aerosol optical properties and their sources using GVAX surface data, satellite observations, and WRF-Chem model

 

Authors

Yan Feng — Argonne National Laboratory
V. Rao Kotamarthi — Argonne National Laboratory

Category

Aerosol-Cloud-Radiation Interactions

Description

The Indo-Ganges Valley is a regional hotspot polluted with high aerosol concentrations. During the monsoon season, aerosols can be elevated by strong convection to high altitudes in the mid- and upper troposphere and thus have a significant impact on clouds and precipitation. It has also been hypothesized that the build-up of aerosols in the dry winter may affect the onset and intensity of the summer monsoon. The focus of the present study is to examine aerosol optical properties and vertical distribution over the Indian subcontinent during the 2011 monsoon to post-monsoon months (July to Octorber) using surface data, satellite observations, and regional WRF-Chem model simulations.

We will present preliminary evaluation of aerosol vertical transport using the ground-based profiling of aerosol extinction, cloud liquid water, water vapor, and temperature at Nainital from the ongoing Ganges Valley Experiment. Spectral measurements of aerosol absorption will be used to investigate aerosol sources and mixing state. We will also present the WRF-Chem simulations of aerosol distributions, vertical profiles, and optical properties over south Asia, constrained with the GVAX surface data and the CALIPSO satellite observations. Aerosol heating effect and radiative impact on clouds will be discussed. These observation and model studies will provide insights on the aerosol composition, transport, and climate effects over this region.