Articles | Volume 26, issue 12
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-8961-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-8961-2026
Research article
 | 
25 Jun 2026
Research article |  | 25 Jun 2026

What caused record-breaking aerosol loading over the South China Sea in April 2023

Saginela Ravindra Babu and Neng-Huei Lin

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Cited articles

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Short summary
This study examines the record aerosol loading over the South China Sea in April 2023, using satellite data, trajectory analyses, and atmospheric reanalysis. It finds that intensified biomass burning in northern Peninsular Southeast Asia led to elevated aerosol levels, with anomalous atmospheric circulation boosting smoke transport and accumulation, resulting in severe transboundary pollution.
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