Aerosol Optical Depth Spatial and Temporal Variability Using Satellite Data Over Indian Major Cities

Introduction: The study’s main aim is to investigate the long-term variation of Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD). It also aims to show the relationship between meteorological parameters. This study evaluates long-term (2010 to 2021) special and temporal changes over major Indian regions using satellite-based data from NASA’s Terra Satellite. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out during 2010-2021 using MODIS data for long-term analysis. Variation of AOD with meteorological parameters was also performed to show the impact of these parameters (Temperature and Relative Humidity) on AOD by the MERRA-II model. Results: Based on Terra AOD data, in all the studied regions, especially the eastern region (Kolkata), the mean AOD was high (0.9-1.2). In the western region (Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Surat), the mean AOD was low to moderate during all seasons. Furthermore, the impact of meteorological parameters on AOD shows significant variation in average annual AOD in Kolkata (0.70 ± 0.09), while other regions reported lower than average AOD values during the study period. Mumbai and Surat had average AODs (0.44 ± 0.13), (0.45 ± 0.14), while Ahmedabad and Jaipur reported average AOD of 0.45 ± 0.14 and 0.23 ± 0.11 during the study period, respectively. Conclusion: Generally, AOD values vary from season to season due to aerosol’s optical and microphysical properties being affected by meteorological conditions and surface albedo. This study examined the spatial and temporal distribution of AOD over five major Indian cities.