In a groundbreaking study conducted by scientists at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune, a direct correlation has been found between the decline in India’s monsoon rainfall and the increasing concentrations of sulfate aerosols, microscopic pollution particles.
The researchers, utilizing advanced climate modeling, identified a discernible pattern in the Indian monsoon rainfall during the latter half of the 20th century. The study reveals that sulfate aerosols, emanating from human activities, play a pivotal role in diminishing monsoon rainfall by altering atmospheric temperature, convection, and moisture transport.
According to a senior scientist at IITM, sensitivity simulations conducted during the study indicated that a 48% increase in sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, the primary precursor gas for sulfate aerosols, resulted in a substantial decrease in monsoon rainfall ranging from 27.5% to 43.3%.
Moreover, the study highlighted that sulfate aerosols could exacerbate the impact of El Nino on the Indian monsoon. Conversely, a reduction in these pollutants has the potential to mitigate El Nino’s tendency to diminish rainfall during the monsoon season.
This research sheds light on the intricate relationship between human-induced pollutants and the delicate balance of India’s monsoon climate, emphasizing the need for further investigations to comprehend and address the long-term implications on weather patterns and agricultural systems.
