On the association between aerosol optical depths and surface meteorological conditions in a tropical coastal environment

Abstract

 Columnar aerosol spectral optical depth data, estimated using a ground based passive multi-wavelength solar radiometer at the tropical coastal station of Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) (8.55°N, 77°E) during the period November 1985 to May 1991, are examined to study the association of the seasonal variations in the optical depths and their association with the prevailing meteorological conditions. A systematic seasonal variation has been observed, with the optical depths maximising in the summer/pre-monsoon season and reaching a minimum in the winter season. Significant association has been observed between the seasonal variations of aerosol spectral optical depths with those of the (on-shore) surface wind speed and the rainfall. The implications of the findings are discussed.