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Semiannual NO 2 plumes during the monsoon transition periods over the central Indian Ocean
Author(s) -
Kunhikrishnan T.,
Lawrence Mark G.,
von Kuhlmann Rolf,
Richter Andreas,
LadstätterWeißenmayer Annette,
Burrows John P.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2003gl019269
Subject(s) - troposphere , monsoon , climatology , northern hemisphere , southern hemisphere , indian ocean , satellite , environmental science , convection , geology , western hemisphere , atmospheric sciences , oceanography , meteorology , geography , engineering , aerospace engineering , economic geography
In this study we identify recurring plumes of tropospheric NO 2 originating from Africa and Indonesia during the monsoon transition periods over the central Indian Ocean (CIO, 5°N–30°S, 55°E–95°E), based on GOME satellite observations and global model (MATCH‐MPIC) simulations. Despite the relatively short lifetime of NO x , these strong plumes can develop due to the pronounced anti‐cyclonic circulation over the CIO, and the weak maritime convection, which limits vertical mixing. Model results indicate that the plumes are mainly transported in the middle troposphere (MT). Thus, the CIO in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) is not always as pristine as found in INDOEX during the winter monsoon.