Abstract
Abstract This paper presents a detailed review of atmospheric pollution observed in the Hindu Kush–Himalaya (HKH) region and its implications for regional climate. Data from in situ measurements made at high-altitude stations in the HKH region, observations from satellite-based instruments, and global climate modeling study results are discussed. Experimental observations discussed include both atmospheric measurements and data from snow and ice core sampling from different glaciers in the HKH region. The paper focuses on the atmospheric brown cloud loadings over the Himalayas, particularly black carbon (BC) and ozone, which have links to regional climate and air-pollution–related impacts. Studies show elevated levels of anthropogenic ozone and BC over the Himalayas during the pre-monsoon season with concentrations sometimes similar to those observed over an average urban environment. The elevated concentration observed over the Himalayas is thought to come from the lowlands, especially the highly populat...
Highlights
Evidence and Implications for the Regional ClimateThis paper presents a detailed review of atmospheric pollution observed in the Hindu Kush–Himalaya (HKH) region and its implications for regional climate
In the recent past, field experiments, in situ observations, and satellite monitoring have pointed to the existence of so-called atmospheric brown clouds (ABCs), wide polluted tropospheric layers characterized by anthropogenic aerosol optical depth (AOD) greater than 0.3 and by absorbing AOD greater than 0.03 (Ramanathan, Ramana, et al 2007; Ramanathan et al 2008)
A preliminary investigation has pointed out that plant productivity may decrease up to 20% in some HKH regions due to future tropospheric O3 increases (Royal Society 2008)
Summary
This paper presents a detailed review of atmospheric pollution observed in the Hindu Kush–Himalaya (HKH) region and its implications for regional climate. Data from in situ measurements made at high-altitude stations in the HKH region, observations from satellitebased instruments, and global climate modeling study results are discussed. Experimental observations discussed include both atmospheric measurements and data from snow and ice core sampling from different glaciers in the HKH region. Studies show elevated levels of anthropogenic ozone and BC over the Himalayas during the premonsoon season with concentrations sometimes similar to those observed over an average urban environment. The implications of high BC loading in the Himalayan atmosphere as well as elevated BC deposition on snow and ice surfaces for regional climate, hydrological cycle, and glacial melt are discussed
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