Aerosol size distribution using Thailand ground-based instruments and climate variables

Abstract

The volume aerosol size distribution (V-ASD) obtained from the AERONET (AErosol RObotic NETwork) and SKYNET network for the years 2006–2019 at five monitoring sites in Thailand was investigated. The relationship between V-ASD and climate variables was determined. Fine-mode aerosols showed clear domination at all sites except at Nakhon Pathom and Phimai stations. Aerosol type can be classified into anthropogenic pollution, biomass-burning smoke and mineral dust. The results also revealed that mean temperature (Tmean) is directly related to both fine and coarse modes, while rainfall (R) is more effective in removing both aerosol modes, particularly smaller fine and larger coarse modes. In addition, small aerosol particles remain longer in the atmosphere at high Tmean with low R and low relative humidity (RH).