A bibliometric and scientometric: analysis towards global pattern and trends related to aerosol and precipitation studies from 2002 to 2022

The recent heavy downpours in specific regions have initiated several studies on the relationship between aerosol and precipitation. The increase in pollution/population and the recent outbreak of diseases and environmental deterioration have been preceded by an increase in aerosol concentration, which would be directly related to precipitation. Considering this background, several studies are being conducted to define a clear relationship between aerosol concentration and precipitation. With the current need to understand aerosol and its characteristics to reduce pollution, research in this domain has significantly increased followed by the demand for control measures and impacts on human health and the environment. A systematic literature review is followed to aid future researchers in mapping the studies and themes related to aerosol and precipitation. Some studies have shown the direct effect of aerosols on the reduction in land surface temperature, by reflection and indirectly enhancing the cloud reflectivity. Even though the research studies conducted in the past have not achieved the perfect correlation of airborne particles and their influence on precipitation around the globe. Our study attempts to show the bibliometric literature review of aerosol and precipitation studies. The mapping stated four conceptual structures of different theme domains: Sampling and retrieval methods, Characterization and effects, Assessment studies, Health and environmental impacts, and Modeling and measures. Lastly, the mapping identified the limitations of the research review, and the scope of future studies to be carried out.