ABSORBING AEROSOL LEVELS ACROSS THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN HIMALAYAN REGION – A REMOTE SENSING APPROACH

Abstract. Studies have shown that aerosol loading particularly due to the absorbing particles over Himalayan region might impact the snow properties and cover. Hence, a comprehensive study on the aerosol distribution over this large mountain ecosystem, particularly focussing on the absorbing particles requires utmost attention. The purpose of this study is to provide a statistical view of Aerosol Absorption Optical Depth (AAOD) levels derived from Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) at 388 nm wavelength during the time period 2005–2017 over the Central and Western Himalayan region (25 – 40° N and 70 – 88° E). To extract the aerosol data for the specified Himalayan region the NOAA Digital Elevation Model (DEM) has been utilized, followed by geo-processing of the daily AAOD data. Outcomes of such studies could provide useful inputs for capacity building activities using the remote sensing resources. We have presented the yearly, monthly and seasonal variability of absorbing aerosols levels over the study region.