Variability of aerosol optical depth and cloud parameters over North Eastern regions of India retrieved from MODIS satellite data

In the present study, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data retrieved from Terra satellite has been used to investigate the spatial and temporal variations in aerosol particles over North Eastern region of India for the period (2001-2010). Aerosol optical depths have found to be increased > 15% across North Eastern part of India during the last decade (2001-2010). During the summer season, the mean AOD values (0.60 +/- 0.07) were observed whereas during the post monsoon season, mean AOD values were observed to be 0.07 +/- 0.02. Highest annual mean increase of AOD (> 79%) has been found over Guwahati. We then studied the relationship between AOD and five other cloud parameters namely water vapor, cloud fraction, cloud top temperature, cloud top pressure and cloud optical depth over North Eastern part of India so as to provide a better understanding of aerosol-cloud interaction. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.