Spatial-temporal variability of the aerosol optical thickness over the central part of European Russia from MODIS data

Abstract

Satellite observations of the aerosol optical thickness (AOT) at the wavelength 0.55 μm over the central part of European Russia (52°–59° N; 29°–45° E) in 2000–2009 obtained with the help of MODIS instruments (Terra and Aqua satellites) are analyzed. Descriptive statistics and frequency distributions of the AOT values observed over the central part of European Russia, Moscow, and the background region are presented. The AOT spatial distributions are described, and some their features are interpreted. The variations of the AOT on different time scales are analyzed. The relation that seasonal and weekly AOT variations have with the variability of aerological characteristics is investigated. The results of an analysis of satellite AOT observations are compared with the data of ground-based observations.