Evidence of Atmospheric Brown Clouds Over India During the 2009 Drought Year

Abstract

Using Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) satellite derived vertical pro- files (Total Attenuated Backscatter at 532 nm, Depolarization Ratios at 532 nm, Vertical Feature Mask, monthly mean vertical aerosol and extinction variability), monthly precipitation anomalies from National Centers for Environmental Prediction-Climate Prediction Center (NCEP-CPC) and NCEP wind anomalies; we report the presence of Atmospheric Brown Clouds (ABCs) over India (65°E-95°E; 8°N-35°N) during the summer monsoon of 2009. CALIPSO data revealed the persistent presence of a massive aerosol plume till 4 Km above sea level; this plume persisted for over 7 months (March through September 2009) over India and was loaded with anthropogenic aerosols like sulphates, black carbon products from biomass burning and fossil fuel combustion. The CALIPSO vertical profiles, NCEP-CPC monthly precipitation anomalies and NCEP monthly wind anomalies corroborate the presence of aerosol plume.