Work

Transported dust modulates aerosol pollution domes over rapidly urbanizing Indian cities

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Elevated anthropogenic emissions over cities are said to form distinct pollution domes. Here, we characterize them, exploring their general patterns for 141 Indian cities using satellite-retrieved aerosol optical depth data from 2003 to 2020. We show the existence of a distinct north-south pollution dome pattern across the Indian cities, with the domes for the highly polluted northern cities generally punctured due to regional or long-range transported aerosols, especially dust. Our study highlights the significant role of large-scale circulation and the requirement for synergistic regional and local aerosol pollution mitigation measures for clean air and urban sustainability.

Source: Communications Earth & Environment

DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02538-0

Authors: Soumya Satyakanta Sethi, V. Vinoj

Institution: Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar

Language: English

Topic: Atmospheric aerosols and clouds

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,490