Study on Correlation of Angstrom Turbidity Coefficient (β) with Aerosol Optical Depth (τ) over a Period of Two Years (2004-2006) for the Special Mangrove Ecosystem of Sun-darbans

Abstract

A study on the correlation of the angstrom turbidity coefficient (β) with aerosol optical depth (τ) have been studied on the basis of field measurements carried out at Kaikhali (22.022°N & 88.614°E) lying in the east coast of India inside the Sundarbans. The angstrom turbidity coefficients have been calculated with respect to the filter channels at 340 nm, 500 nm, 870 nm, 936 nm and 1020 nm of a Sunphotometer. Assessment of the possible influx of the fine particulate concentrations to the total aerosol loading in the area have been made with respect to the calculated angstrom turbidity values for the summer and winter seasons over a period of two years from 2004 to 2006. Substantially high angstrom turbidity coefficient values exceeding 0.2 and indicative of a relatively hazy atmosphere for both the summer and winter periods over these two years from 2004-2006 have been observed. Considering the importance of this fragile mangrove ecosystem of the Sundarbans and also the vulnerability of the area to severe impacts of climate changes, this is indeed a thought provoking issue as far as the policy makers of the country are concerned. In fact, the study has confirmed positive correlation of β with τ.