Investigation of the characteristics of atmospheric and meteorological parameters of a severe dust storm in the Mumbai during January 2022

Abstract

In recent years, India has experienced frequent dust storms, which have a significant impact on local climatic conditions. This research focuses on a significant dust storm event that took place in January 2022 across the Arabian Sea and its effects on the Mumbai region. The study utilizes a combination of ground-based measurements and satellite observations of optical parameters to investigate different atmospheric and meteorological parameters. The analysis of aerosol optical characteristics observed through Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) data indicates significant variations during the dust storm day in comparison to pre- and post-dust storm days. There is a huge surge in the Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) values Ångström Exponent (AE) values decrease. This confirms the presence of coarser particles in the affected region. The elevated values of the Aerosol Index (AI) on dusty days shows the presence of UV-absorbing aerosols. The ground-based measurements obtained by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in the Mumbai region shows a rapid surge in the PM concentrations during the dust storm day. This study also highlights the change in the meteorological conditions associated with the occurrence of dust storm. The back trajectory analysis shows that most of the air-mass parcels transported from the Arabian Sea. The findings of this study collectively emphasize the substantial impact of dust storms on local atmospheric chemistry and the climatic system.