| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-1.3-0007 |
| Title of Abstract | Darkening the Ice, Warming the Seas: Arctic Aerosols and their impact on climate |
| Authors | Rohit Srivastava*, Ritesh Kumar |
| Organisation | National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) |
| Address | National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) Vasco-da-Gama, Goa, India Pincode: 402804 E-mail: rohits@ncpor.res.in |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | Arctic aerosols play significant role in modulating regional and global climate dynamics; however, their impacts remain one of the largest uncertainties in climate modeling. Black Carbon (BC) aerosol is of particular concern due to its dual influence on the atmosphere and cryosphere. BC in the atmosphere absorbs solar radiation, contributing to atmospheric warming. When BC deposits over snow and ice, it reduces surface reflectivity (albedo), accelerating melting and amplifying Arctic warming- a process known as Arctic amplification. This has a crucial impact on global sea-level rise and marine heatwaves. In order to understand the variability in Arctic aerosols and their climatic impacts, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, India, has established the POLar AERosol NETwork (POLAERNET), with long-term monitoring at Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard (78.91°N, 11.89°E). Under the program, long-term and continuous measurements of BC mass concentration, aerosol scattering, and aerosol size distribution are being undertaken using seven-channel Aethalometer, integrating nephelometer, and Aerodynamic Particle Sizer spectrometer. These high-resolution measurements provide critical insights into the temporal variability of BC and its interactions within Arctic atmospheric. The observations reveal significant variability in BC concentrations, reflecting influences from both long-range transport of pollutants and local sources. Seasonal variations show that black carbon (BC) concentrations peak in winter and spring, while the biomass burning (BB) contribution peaks in summer due to vegetation fires. BC masses are largely influenced by long-range transport from mid-latitudes. The lowest BC and BB values observed in 2022 were linked to higher precipitation, fewer vegetation fires, and reduced episodic pollution events. The long-term dataset generated under POLAERNET will be helpful for constraining uncertainties in climate models, validating satellite observations, and quantifying anthropogenic influences over the Arctic region. By advancing our understanding of aerosol-climate interactions, these efforts contribute to improving future projections of Arctic change and its global implications. |
| Keywords | Black Carbon, POLAERNET, Biomass burning, Arctic |