Abstract
In the present study, we examined the spatial and temporal variations in aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 550 nm and its relationship with various cloud parameters derived from the Moderate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor onboard Terra satellite. The data have been analyzed for the period of 10-years between March 2003 and February 2013 over 12 major cities in China. The results revealed that high AOD noticed over low latitude regions influenced with high anthropogenic activities and the low AOD observed for the high altitude and mountainous areas, since AOD accounts for the slant path which reduces the aerosol emissions. In addition, the aerosol variations in the atmosphere are complicated by several factors in emissions (natural and anthropogenic) as well as stagnant synoptic meteorology. From the temporal studies, it is clear that the maximum AOD was found during summer followed by spring and autumn with a minimum AOD in winter season for all the regions of study in China. Furthermore, we studied the relationship between AOD versus water vapor (WV), cloud fraction (CF), cloud optical thickness (COT), cloud effective radius (CER), cloud top pressure (CTP), and cloud top temperature (CTT) for the selected regions in China. Additionally, regression analysis and one paired student’s t-Test were applied to represent the probability of data significant at 95% confidence for the derived AOD values and cloud parameters in order to provide a better understanding of aerosol-cloud interaction.
Highlights
Another study by Kumar (2014) found that AOD showed positive correlation with cloud fraction (CF) and COD and negative correlation with cloud top temperature (CTT) and cloud top pressure (CTP) over an urban region of northern India (Delhi) for the period 2003– 2012
Tang et al (2014) showed positive correlation between AOD and cloud effective radius (CER) over open oceanic regions of East China, suggesting that the influence of background weather conditions and general circulations need to be considered when studying the interactions between aerosol and cloud
The time series plot for AOD and water vapor (WV) is shown in Fig. S1 for all the selected regions in China during the period 2003–2013 represents increasing and decreasing pattern simultaneously
Summary
Another study by Kumar (2014) found that AOD showed positive correlation with CF and COD and negative correlation with cloud top temperature (CTT) and cloud top pressure (CTP) over an urban region of northern India (Delhi) for the period 2003– 2012. They noticed an increasing trend in CF with AOD over urban regions during the period of study from 2001 to 2011 as well as investigated the impact of aerosols on warm and cold clouds.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
