Spatial Analysis of Aerosol Optical Depth in Western Java Indonesia

Air quality in Western Java is highly dynamic and shaped by environmental changes influenced by intense human activities. Aerosols—tiny particulate matter that affects air quality, weather, and climate—can be quantified using Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD), which measures aerosol concentrations in the atmospheric column. This research uses spatial regression analysis to examine the spatial distribution of AOD from GEE’s platform (Google Earth Engine) and its relationship with rainfall and wind patterns during both the wet and dry seasons. The findings indicate that wind speed does not significantly impact AOD values, but wind direction does affect the distribution of rainfall and AOD, likely due to the monsoon system. During the wet season (December to March), high-intensity and widespread rainfall effectively cleanses the atmosphere of aerosols, leading to no significant effect on AOD (p-value > 0.05). In contrast, during the dry season, rainfall significantly influences AOD spatial patterns (p-value < 0.05). These results highlight the intricate interplay between meteorological factors and aerosol’s behavior, emphasizing the seasonal variability in their interactions.