Spatio-temporal variation trends of satellite-based aerosol optical depth in China during 1980–2008

This paper analyzes TOMS AOD at 500 nm (1980–2001), along with MODIS data (2000–2008) at 550 nm to investigate variations at one-degree grid over eight typical regions in China and the trends in AODs, temporally and spatially. In contrast to recently reported global decrease in AOD over global ocean beginning around 1990, we find there virtually exists no apparent AOD transition in China for that: firstly no notable upward tendencies in AOD during 1980–1992 for the relative low value (+0.001/decade), then during 1996–2001 a discernible ascending tendency with larger magnitude at 0.01/decade, and finally, since 2000, a weak upward trend with +0.004/decade. The large increases during 1996–2001 are presumably consequences of large increases in industrial activities and bear a strong resemblance to the long-term decreasing observations of incident solar radiation and cloud cover in China. Specifically, in late 1990’s, only in Taklimakan Desert a negative trend with a maximum magnitude of −0.04/decade is detected. However, over regions such as Jingjinji and Pearl River Delta influenced by industrial activities, positive tendencies at +0.01/decade are observed. Seasonal patterns in the AOD regional long-term trend are evident. AODs exhibit generally similar seasonality and the summer dominates higher AOD value than the autumn. In particular, during the period 1980–2001, all the eight regions except Taklimakan Desert witness the maximum aerosols in winter while there is not such seasonality during the period 2000–2008. Geographically, we also document spatial patterns of AOD variations over China. Results reveal that no apparent upward trends in AOD (about 15% per decade) are observed in 1980’s, while beginning 1990 till 2008, both data (TOMS and MODIS) are indicative of a significant AOD increase across China, especially in 1990’s it is indeed the case, roughly in accordance with the overall trends at regional scale. ► We investigate the spatio-temporal trends in AOD in eight typical regions of China. ► Transition in overall AOD trend from downward to upward is observed beginning 1990. ► The spatial variation in AOD suggests no apparent upward trends in 1980’s. ► Since 1990, both TOMS and MODIS indicate a significant AOD increase across China.