Transported dust modulates aerosol pollution domes over rapidly urbanizing Indian cities

Abstract Elevated anthropogenic emissions over cities are said to form distinct pollution domes. Here, we characterize them, exploring their general patterns for 141 Indian cities using satellite-retrieved aerosol optical depth data from 2003 to 2020. We show the existence of a distinct north-south pollution dome pattern across the Indian cities, with the domes for the highly polluted northern cities generally punctured due to regional or long-range transported aerosols, especially dust. Our study highlights the significant role of large-scale circulation and the requirement for synergistic regional and local aerosol pollution mitigation measures for clean air and urban sustainability.