Studying the impact of aerosols on Himalayan glacier

The primary objective of this project is to quantify how the amount and properties of absorbing type aerosols (black carbon) is affecting the glaciers’ mass balance in the Himalayas. The specific objectives are to:
a. Quantify the concentration levels and transport of absorbing aerosols to the Indian Himalayas;
b. Estimate the surface warming and subsequent melting of the Pindari glacier by direct atmospheric forcing and due to surface albedo effects;
c. Estimate the current and future warming potential of aerosols in the Himalayas;
d. Enhance the already existing knowledge transfer and scientific co-operation between Finnish and Indian scientists in the fields of air pollution, climate change and glaciology.