Aerosol optical depth variations in Delhi and Lucknow over a period of 10-year (2013-2022)

Abstract

This research paper focuses upon descriptive analysis of the variation in Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) over a duration of ten years (from 01-01-2013 to 01-01-2023) for Delhi and Lucknow cities. Higher values were found throughout the winter and lower values were found during the monsoon season in both cities, according to a study of monthly AOD data. Compared to Delhi, Lucknow typically had slightly higher AOD readings, with noticeable variability in certain months. We found that for Lucknow the AOD levels ranges from 0.55 in March to 1.07 in January, on the other hand for Delhi the AOD values ranges from 0.60 in March to 0.96 in June. Seasonal study revealed differing trends, with Delhi's AOD levels being higher in the summer but somewhat equivalent to those of the winter, with the exception of the winter of 2019 when AOD exceeded one. AOD readings in Lucknow were typically higher in the winter, however there have been some instances in the summer and autumn of 2018 and 2019 when they were higher than average. Complementing these findings, a statistical analysis using the t-test method was also carried out which suggests that when considering the overall period under study, there wasn't a substantial difference in air quality between Delhi and Lucknow. Our study points out what is the importance of understanding the patterns of aerosol in both the cities (i.e., Delhi and Lucknow) in order to evaluate the air quality and might be helpful in mitigating negative environmental effects of aerosols. It also provides valuable information on the geographical and temporal variability of AOD.