Decreasing Trend in Black Carbon Aerosols Over the Indian Region

Abstract

We examine long-term trends in the near-surface black carbon mass concentration, using multiyear primary data obtained from a dense network (ARFINET) of observatories over the Indian region. We report for the first time the statistically significant decreasing trend in black carbon mass concentration, based on primary data from this region, at an average rate of ~242 ± 53 ng · m ⁻³ · year ⁻¹ during the period 2007–2016. This finding contrasts with the generally increasing trend in the columnar aerosol optical depth, reported earlier, and the steadily increasing trend in anthropogenic activities over this region. The roles of different possible mechanisms, including possible changes in the vertical redistribution of aerosols, are discussed. Over the period 2007–2015, a significant though weak, increasing trend is seen in the contribution from aerosols above 1 km to the columnar aerosol optical depth. These observations imply possible long-term climate consequences.