Spatial heterogeneity and driving factors of aerosol in Western China: Analysis on multiangle implementation of atmospheric correction–aerosol optical depth in Xinjiang over 2001–2019

Abstract

Knowledge of aerosol dynamics is essential to combating atmospheric aerosol pollution, and there is a growing interest in aerosol changes and their drivers. However, the effects of interactions between natural and anthropogenic drivers of aerosol are not well understood. Here, we analyse changes in aerosol optical depth (AOD) in Xinjiang, China using the multiangle implementation of atmospheric correction aerosol products over 2001–2019 and investigate the driving factors of aerosol dynamics using a random forest (RF) and a geographical detector. The results show the dominant AOD changes in the quasi‐period of 3.21 months, 7.86 months, 1.19 years, for seasonal, half‐year, and interannual variations of aerosols. The increasing and then decreasing nonlinear trends were observed in the interannual AOD variation during 19 years period. The importance ranking results of the two models indicated that meteorological factors dominated the spatial distribution of AOD in Xinjiang (72.73% for RF and 65.78% for the geographic detector), and that interactions between factors enhanced the explanatory power in AOD changes. In addition, the influence of anthropogenic factors on AOD was increasing in North Xinjiang, and the influence of precipitation and population on AOD was increasing in East Xinjiang. However, the influence of drivers on AOD in South Xinjiang was basically constant over time, showing the spatially heterogeneous relationship between AOD and drivers. This study emphasized the spatial heterogeneity and driving factors of small‐scale aerosols in arid regions and so can guide targeted air pollution prevention and control in local areas.

Comprehensive Assessment and Analysis of the Current Global Aerosol Optical Depth Products

“…These distribution characteristics are closely related to the distribution of population and aerosol natural sources. The factors influencing the spatial distribution pattern of AOD can be categorized into anthropogenic and natural factors [43,44]. Regions where anthropogenic effects dominate are primarily observed in Africa, Eastern Asia, and South Asia.…”

Long-Term Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Dust Aerosols in East Asia (2000–2022)

“…In addition, to study the main determinants of dust aerosols in the region, it is necessary to identify the main influencing factors. Many scholars have conducted research on the factors influencing the spatial distribution of AOD [28][29][30][31][32][33]. The findings consistently suggest that the spatial pattern of AOD is the result of complex interactions among various factors [33].…”