Aerosol optical properties in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic: temporal variations and aerosol type classification

In the present work, temporal variations in Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD500), Angstrom Exponent (AE470−870) and Single Scattering Albedo (SSA500) in Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic) between 2020 and 2024 were analysed. Aerosol type classification was performed on the basis of the relationship between AOD500 and AE470−870. Average values of AOD500, AE470−870 and SSA500 over the study period were 0.263±0.090, 0.604±0.160 and 0.931±0.010, respectively. These values suggest a predominance of coarse-mode aerosols with a significant scattering efficiency. The highest AOD500 and SSA500 values were measured between June and August, while AE470−870 values were at their lowest during this period. These temporal variations may be explained by the higher frequency of Saharan dust outbreaks over the months of June to August. Five aerosol types were identified: Marine (MAR-52%), Mineral dust (DUST-17%), Mixed type (MIX-25%), Continental (CON-4%) and Urban/Biomass Burning (URB/BB-2%). These results indicate a dominant contribution of natural coarse-mode aerosols in the study area. MAR aerosols showed a well-defined seasonal pattern, with maximum concentrations during the rainy season, whereas DUST levels were highest during the dry season. MIX aerosols exhibited significant contributions between March and October; in contrast, CON and URB/BB type aerosols did not show a defined seasonal pattern.