Latitudinal and temporal distribution of aerosols and precipitable water vapor in the tropical Andes from AERONET, sounding, and MERRA-2 data.

ABSTRACT: The aerosol and precipitable water vapor (PW) distribution over the tropical Andes region is characterized using Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) observations at stations in Medellin (Colombia), Quito (Ecuador), Huancayo (Peru), and La Paz (Bolivia). AERONET aerosol optical depth (AOD) is interpreted using PM_2.5 data when available. Columnar water vapor derived from ozone soundings at Quito is used to compare against AERONET PW. MERRA-2 data are used to complement analyses. Urban pollution and biomass burning smoke (BBS) dominate the regional aerosol composition. AOD and PM_2.5 yearly cycles for coincident measurements correlate linearly at Medellin and Quito. The Andes cordillera's orientation and elevation funnel or block BBS transport into valleys or highlands duri

SUBMITTER: Cazorla M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10776852 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature