Uncovering the Influence of Dust-Induced Aerosol Particles on Ecosystem Carbon Uptake

Understanding the intricate relationship between dust-induced aerosols and ecosystem carbon uptake is essential to resolving the complexities of global carbon cycling. Aerosols play a crucial role in altering surface solar radiation, thereby influencing plant productivity. Despite their recognized role in modulating weather patterns, the precise mechanisms underlying aerosol-induced alterations in gross primary productivity (GPP) remain unclear. Previous studies suggest that aerosols may exert positive or negative impacts on ecosystem carbon uptake, subject to aerosol loading and cloud conditions. The present study uses Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) AOD and GPP along with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF-ERA5) reanalysis datasets to investigate the effects of aerosol-induced radiation perturbation and eco-hydro-meteorological feedback on GPP in Himalayan ecosystems. We observe that the long-range transportation of dust-induced aerosol particles from the Middle East over Northern India is influencing air quality and weather patterns. It creates a thermal gradient that keeps surface temperatures lower than the top of the atmosphere. Consequently, the reduction in surface temperature and vapor pressure deficits contribute to variations in carbon uptake. We plan to examine multiple events where high aerosol loading contributes to extreme weather conditions like dust storms. Further, we will validate our results with flux tower measurements. Our findings show the significance of the interactions among aerosol pollution, climate change, and the global carbon cycle, which have unavoidable implications on weather patterns and direct impacts on human health and the tourism industry.

Keywords: Aerosol optical depth, Carbon Uptake, Dust, Himalayan ecosystems