Black Carbon's Dance with the Weather

So, what's the deal with black carbon (BC) and its role in weather changes? In India, not much research has been done on how BC affects things like monsoons, fog, and heatwaves. This study steps in to bridge that gap, looking at how BC interacts with rain during the monsoon's active and break phases. These phases are super important for farming, water supplies, and weather patterns. Data from both rural and urban areas showed some interesting patterns. BC levels change a lot during the day and across seasons. During the day, BC levels peak twice: once in the evening (8 PM to 11 PM) and again in the morning (7 AM to 9 AM). This is likely due to human activities and weather conditions. Seasonally, BC levels are lowest during the monsoon because rain washes away the aerosols. But after the monsoon, levels shoot up, mainly due to agricultural burning. Weather factors like temperature, humidity, rain, and wind speed all play a role in BC dynamics. Higher temps and lower humidity increase BC levels, while rain reduces them. Wind helps spread BC around, affecting how much is in the air and where it goes. The study also looked at pre-monsoon heatwaves, winter fog, and monsoon conditions. It found that local weather factors like temperature inversions and wind patterns significantly influence how BC affects weather. This research is crucial for understanding BC pollution and its diverse impacts on weather and climate. It highlights the need to consider meteorological factors in air quality management and policymaking. Ultimately, this work paves the way for targeted strategies to reduce BC's harmful effects on health and the environment in India.