Signatures of Rossby wave modulations in aerosol optical depth over the central Himalayan region

Abstract

Long-period modulations are shown in aerosol optical depth measured by the Microtops II Sun photometer over a high-altitude site the central Himalayan region (Nainital, 29.4◦ N, 79.5◦ E, 1958 m a.m.s.l.) for the first time. Fourier analysis of aerosol optical depth showed dominant 25–45 day oscillations observed in MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectro radiometer data. Further, a Hovmiller diagram showed westward (northward) propagation at a different longitude (latitude), confirming that the modulations are associated with Rossby waves. It is also shown that the Rossby wave amplitude causes an additional warming of 4.16 ± 0.98 W m−² over the observational site. Hence, the present study illustrates the importance of wave-induced aerosol dynamics and the corresponding radiative effects.