Anthropogenic Aerosol Pollution over the Eastern Slope of the Tibetan Plateau

In this study, a combination of satellite observations and reanalysis datasets is used to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution, classification and source of pollutants over the eastern slope of the Tibetan Plateau (ESTP). The aerosol optical depth (AOD) over the ESTP is extremely large and even larger than some important industrialized regions and deserts. The main aerosol component over the ESTP is sulfate, followed by carbonaceous and dust aerosols. Local emissions related to human activity directly contribute to the accumulation of sulfate and carbonaceous aerosols over the Sichuan Basin. In addition, in spring, abundant carbonaceous aerosols emitted from forest, grassland and savanna fires in Southeast Asia can be transported by the prevailing southwesterly wind to southern China and the ESTP. The dust AOD over the ESTP peaks in spring because of the transport from the Taklimakan and Gobi deserts. Additionally, the high aerosol loading over the ESTP is also directly related to the meteorological background. Due to the special topography, the terrain-driven circulation can trap aerosols in the Sichuan Basin and these aerosols can climb along the ESTP due to the perennial updraft. The aerosol loading is lowest in summer because of effective wet deposition induced by the strong precipitation and better dispersion conditions due to the larger vertical temperature gradients and ascending air movement enhanced by the plateau heat pump effect. In contrast, the aerosol loading is greatest in winter. Abundant anthropogenic aerosols over the ESTP may generate some climatic and environmental risks and consequently greatly influence the downstream regions.