AOD (Aerosol Optical Depth)

Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) measures how much tiny particles in the air, like dust, pollution, or smoke, block or scatter sunlight before it reaches the ground. A higher AOD indicates more aerosols in the atmosphere, reducing sunlight penetration and affecting visibility and climate. It’s a key parameter for understanding air quality and the impact of particulates on weather and environmental conditions. Essentially, AOD quantifies the transparency of the atmosphere—the higher it is, the less sunlight gets through due to aerosols.