An overview of the physico-chemical characteristics of dust at Kanpur in the central Indo-Gangetic basin

The optical, chemical, and physical properties of dust over the Indo-Gangetic basin are presented based on a campaign mode experiment conducted at Kanpur (26.52ºN, 80.23ºE), India, during April to July, 2011. During the study period, heavy dust storms and onset of south-west Indian Monsoon occurred. Based on physico-chemical characteristics, four aerosol types were identified in the region: background aerosol, dust dominated aerosol, pollution dominated aerosol, and mixed aerosol. The classification of aerosol types was found to be consistent with various aerosol properties examined and backtrajectory analysis. In addition to the locally generated aerosols, there were both short and long range transported aerosols. Aerosols of oceanic origin were encountered during late June, and July.