Zonal variations in the vertical distribution of atmospheric aerosols over the Indian region and the consequent radiative effects

Abstract. The vertical structure of atmospheric aerosols over the Indian mainland and surrounding oceans its spatial distinctiveness resultant heating are characterised using long-term (2007–2020) satellite observations, assimilated aerosol single scattering albedo, radiative transfer calculations. results show strong, seasonally varying zonal gradients in concentration extent study region. Compared to oceans, where is confined within 3 km, extinction coefficients extend considerably higher altitudes mainland, reaching as high 6 km during pre-monsoon monsoon seasons. Longitudinally, highest around 75∘ E decreasing gradually towards either side region, particularly peninsular India. Particulate depolarisation ratio profiles affirm ubiquity dust western India from surface nearly km. While presence low-altitude decreases further east, high-altitude (above 4 km) layers remain aloft throughout year with seasonal variations distribution north-western High-altitude (around observed southern season. Radiative calculations that these changes result enhanced at lower pre-monsoon, especially 2–3 altitude range These have strong implications for aerosol–radiation interactions regional climate simulations.