In this study, we present a case of 16 October 2011 to show the first observational evidence of influence of short period gravity waves in aerosol transport during daytime over Central Himalayan region. Doppler lidar data is utilized to address the daytime boundary layer evolution and related aerosol dynamics over the site. Boundary layer height is estimated by wavelet covariance transform method and found to be ~ 0.7 km AGL. AOD observations during daytime revealed an asymmetry showing clear enhancement during afternoon hours as compared to forenoon. Interestingly, Fourier and wavelet analysis showed similar 50-90 min short period gravity wave signatures dominant during afternoon hours. Moreover, our observations showed gravity waves are dominant within boundary layer implying that the daytime boundary layer dynamics is playing a vital role in transporting the aerosols from surface to boundary layer top. Similar modulations are also evident in surface parameters like Temperature, RH and wind speed indicating these waves are associated with the dynamical aspects over Himalayan region. Finally, time evolution of RHI snapshots during daytime showed strong upward velocities especially during afternoon hours implying that the transportation of aerosols by convective processes are dominant through short period gravity waves to boundary layer top over the site. Our observations should shed some light in the current understanding of wave induced daytime convective boundary layer dynamics over Himalayan region.
Research Scholar working in the field of Atmospheric Sciences