An analysis of aerosol properties and HYSPLIT model estimates for aerosol transport pathways over an Arctic location Oliktok point (Alaska) (70 oN, 149 oW)

To understand the radiative effects of aerosols on climate of Polar Regions we require an in depth knowledge of aerosol optical and chemical properties. In this study we have analyzed the aerosol properties such as aerosol optical depth at 500 nm (AOD) and Angstrom exponent (440-870 nm) (AE) to investigate the content, type and seasonality of aerosols over the Arctic location of Oliktok Point (Alaska). For this purpose we have used all the available data from Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) from September 2013 to October 2016. HYSPLIT model backward trajectories were also computed in order to understand the transport of aerosols over the study location. The AOD was found to be low throughout the study period. Mean AOD was found to be 0.064±0.034 with corresponding AE value of 1.440±0.256 indicating the dominance of fine mode clean continental or marine type aerosols. The highest mean monthly value of AOD was obtained in May (0.09) and the lowest was found in August (0.043). The AE was observed to have its minimum value in April (1.3) and maximum value in June (1.57). Furthermore, we found higher values of mean monthly precipitable water (PW) in June (1.4) and July (1.45), and the lowest value in April (0.54).