ENIVRONMENT ASIA

Volume 11, No. 03, Month SEPTEMBER, Year 2018, Pages 213 - 220

Haze formation during winter in delhi

Jyotsna Kumar

Abstract Download PDF

Surging anthropogenic emissions are increasing the aerosol concentration in the atmosphere in Delhi. During winter season temporal variability is at its peak which makes atmosphere rich in toxic particles and noxious emissions. Due to atmospheric inversion pollutants get trapped in the cold air and reduce the amount of solar radiation reaching the earth’s surface. Dust storm events make this problem more critical in the Indo-Gangetic Basin (IGB, which incidentally is also a host to the highest population density in India). Bio-mass burning, vehicular emissions, stationary fossil fuel combustion, rubbish burning, in-situ particle formation and wind-blown dust, all contribute to hazy conditions and visibility degradation. Visibility levels can be used as a broad-based proxy for particulate air pollution. This review discusses the contributing factors and resulting problems associated with haze formation in Delhi during winter. Recommendations for further necessary study to understand the haze and its management are made.

Keywords

Aerosol; Haze; Combustion; Volatile organic aerosol; Biomass burning

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