Investigating aerosol vertical distribution using CALIPSO time series over the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Europe, and India: A BFAST-based gradual and abrupt change detection

Monitoring spatio-temporal changes of aerosols is necessary to better understand atmospheric processes. Here, the vertical distribution and how it has changed from 2006 2017 studied using time series data Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) instrument on board Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) satellite. Aerosol centroid altitude, a variable representing aerosol extent, estimated flags Vertical Feature Mask (VFM) product CALIOP. The case study includes four overpasses, various types densities, covering Middle East North Africa (MENA), India regions characterized by frequent dust storms smoke emissions, respectively, Europe, pioneer in establishing air quality policies. values altitude are examined determine effects climate (space) season (time) distribution. For this purpose, 10-year mean were calculated over extracted Food Agriculture Organization (FAO) map as well each season, resultant then statistically analyzed. results indicate that environmental heat, steam or leads increasing altitude. was imported version Breaks Additive Season Trend (BFAST) algorithm, so-called BFAST01, allowing magnitude gradual along type major abrupt change be determined. strongest positive trends recorded desert regions. Positive also observed mid-latitudes steppes Sea. another region relatively trend which could mainly caused anthropogenic activities emission. negative detected Europe result strict regulation policies efforts for improvement. show small fraction granules (12 out 4036) northern part overpass A, mid overpasses B C, East, southern D, India, experienced structural changes. reversal 8 (50% changes) interruption 6 (33%) dominant types, mostly occurred around 2014 2012, respectively. Changing factors such temperature, wind speed, main drivers these demonstrates applicability BFAST01 usability CALIOP VFM monitor structure atmosphere. • mined detect break height bfast01. both studied. found belt, Eurasian Steppe India. Negative due 2014.