Changing patterns in aerosol vertical distribution over South and East Asia

Abstract Changing patterns in aerosol concentrations over the Asian region is well documented with a concurrent increase over India and a marked reduction over China. However, aerosol vertical distribution in the changing climate is not fully understood. By combining long-term satellite observations from MODIS and CALIOP, here we show rapid changes in the aerosol vertical distribution over the South and East Asia covering India and China. A statistically significant decreasing (increasing) trend in the boundary layer (free troposphere) aerosol concentrations is noticed over India. ERA-Interim reanalysis model suggests that this increase in free tropospheric aerosol concentrations are due to the lifting of boundary layer pollutants through an increase in convection (and vertical velocity) in a changing climate. In contrast, a consistent decreasing trend is observed over China irrespective of the altitude. Interestingly, a decreasing trend in Aerosol Optical Depth is observed over the northwest India and we relate this to an observed increase in precipitation leading to increase in the vegetation. It is also found that long-term oscillations like QBO, ENSO and solar cycle significantly affect the aerosol concentrations. Thus, it is prudent to conclude that background meteorology and dynamics play an important role in changing patterns of aerosol vertical distribution.