"Study of variability of atmospheric aerosols over Indian Subcontinent"

Study of atmospheric aerosols is very complex owing to their short life time and, chemical constituents. Aerosol loading is highly regional and there life time is very short.An attempt has been made in this paper to study the variability of atmospheric aerosols over Indian subcontinent using a statistical parameter Coefficient of Variation (COV). The magnitude of variability over this region is studied. The factors influencing the variability are studied to find the reasons for difference in magnitude over different regions. Rainfall naturally influences the variability aerosols due to scavenging, but if it is the only factor influencing the variability, the study is absurd. It is found that the influence of rainfall on COV is not pronounced as it is not a seasonal phenomenon. Influence of other parameters viz. Topography, wind vector, thermal power plants and population on variability of aerosols is clearly found. These results help in classifying aerosol zones on the basis of variability of aerosol optical depth. The study also helps in finding the cause of aerosol loading over a region. Measures can be taken to decrease the loading if it is due to local sources.