First measurements of aerosol optical depth and Angstrom exponent number from AERONET's Kuching site

We report our first measurements, over the 2011 dry season period, of aerosol optical depth, Angstrom exponent number and its fine mode counterpart obtained from photometric measurements at AERONET's newest site located at the city of Kuching, Sarawak, East Malaysia. This site was set up as part of the collaborative efforts of the Seven South East Asian Studies (7SEAS) regional aerosol measurements initiative. Located at the converging zone between peninsular Malaysia and the land masses of Sumatra, Borneo, Java and Sulawesi, this site is expected to provide first hand evidence about the physical and optical characteristics of the regional aerosol environment, specially during the biomass burning months. Moreover, given its relative proximity to our Singapore radiation measurement super-site, Kuching is expected to provide further insight on aerosol transport pathways caused by seasonal winds transporting smoke to other parts of the maritime continent and the South Asia region.

► In general, Kuching aerosol environment is relatively clean with low aerosol loading. ► Increased aerosol loading correlates with regional episodes of biomass burning. ► AOD and Angstrom number indicated a prevailing fine mode aerosol environment. ► Aerosols belongs mostly to urban, fossil fuel (aircraft activity) and biomass burning. ► Dry months, August-September, showed high aerosol loading. November the least.