Observation-based study on aerosol optical depth and particle size in partly cloudy regions.

ABSTRACT: This study seeks to help better understand aerosol-cloud interactions by examining statistical relationships between aerosol properties and nearby low-altitude cloudiness using satellite data. The analysis of a global dataset of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) observations reveals that the positive correlation between cloudiness and aerosol optical depth (AOD) reported in earlier studies is strong throughout the globe and during both winter and summer. Typically, AOD is 30-50% higher on cloudier-than-average days than on less cloudy days. A combination of satellite observations and MERRA-2 global reanalysis data reveals that the correlation between cloud cover and AOD is strong for all aerosol types considered: sulfate, dust, carbon, and sea salt. The observations als

SUBMITTER: Varnai T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7380075 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature