A study of the chemical components of aerosols and snow in the Kashmir region

Atmospheric aerosols in surface air were sampled for a total period of 2 weeks, from February 25 to March 11, 1971, during the winter season, at Gulmarg and Srinagar. Snow samples were also collected on days of snow occurrence during the period. Aerosols were sampled using cascade impactor and millipore filter assembly. Samples collected through impactor were categorized into hygroscopic and non-hygroscopic nuclei while chloride, ice-forming and total nuclei were evaluated from millipore filters.

Analysis of the aerosol data showed higher counts for all the nuclei at Srinagar with respect to Gulmarg. Fractions of chloride, hygroscopic and ice-forming nuclei among the total nuclei were larger at Gulmarg. Aerosol counts during the days were higher as compared to the corresponding night values. All the chemical constituents, except Cl^-, gradually reduced from the initial to the end stage of the snowfall. Snow sample from Srinagar indicated higher cation concentrations. Variations of aerosols under different weather conditions have been discussed.