Analysis of incoming biomass burning aerosol plumes over southern Brazil

Abstract

We characterized the aerosol particles and their transport to southern Brazil during the austral winter months of June, July, and August from 2002 to 2011. To obtain the aerosol optical depth (AOD) (0.55 μm) and the Ångström exponent (0.47–0.66 μm), we used MODIS data. High values of AOD were observed in 2002, 2005, 2007, and 2010, with the highest values in August. We also used the CCATT–BRAMS model to simulate the AOD in southern Brazil. Both approaches suggest an increase of the AOD in the northwestern part of the region, evidence for the transport of biomass burning plumes from central Brazil.