Analysis of Aerosol Optical Depth at Jordan During 2003-2012 Using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Data

Aerosol optical depths (AOD) at four sites in Jordan which represent the main cities were investigated based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) during 2003-2012. Using the AOD data, Angstrom wavelength exponent α, visibility and smoke concentration were analysed. The results showed that at all the four sites during 2003-2012, AOD have an increasing trend in spring months and decreasing trend in winter. The increase of AOD values in spring months is mainly due to the desert dust storm that hit the region. The results also showed that maximum AOD was recorded in Ma'an site followed by Amman and Az Zarqa sites having the same values, and by Irbid site which recorded the lowest values. The Angstrom exponent α showed higher values in Irbid site which indicates that fine mode dominates aerosols, and lower values in Ma'an which indicates coarse mode dominate aerosols.