Unexpected HCHO transnational transport: Influence on the temporal and spatial distribution of HCHO in Tibet from 2013 to 2021 based on satellite
- 1Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- 2Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- 3Key Laboratory of Environmental Optics and Technology, Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- 4Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
Formaldehyde (HCHO) is a toxic and harmful air pollutant to humans, animals, and plants and is an essential precursor of PM2.5 and ozone compound pollution. Few studies have focused on HCHO in Tibet, the third pole with a unique ecosystem that requires protection. Here, we investigate the spatial-temporal distribution of HCHO from 2013 to 2021 and its influencing factors from satellite observations in Tibet. We found that the average HCHO VCD in Tibet presents a significant annual growth rate of 2.25%/yr, which is similar to that in India and even higher than that in most of the world, including eastern China. Moreover, HCHO VCD in the eastern region of Tibet shows no seasonal pattern, unlike other areas. The anomalous variation in HCHO concentrations in Tibet is primarily attributed to long-distance transnational transport from incomplete combustion in India Assam. Our results help strengthen concerns about atmospheric environmental management in Tibet.
How to cite: Xu, Y., Su, W., and Liu, C.: Unexpected HCHO transnational transport: Influence on the temporal and spatial distribution of HCHO in Tibet from 2013 to 2021 based on satellite, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-4826, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-4826, 2024.
