The dataset presents monthly variations of Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) at 500nm wavelength, measured across 16 selected AERONET sites in Southeast Asia, including sites in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore throughout 2024. Analysis reveals significant regional variations in AOD across Southeast Asian AERONET sites in 2024, with notable peaks at certain Indonesian sites and relatively stable patterns across Malaysian sites. AOD values in Malaysia generally range between 0.2 and 0.6, indicating moderate aerosol loading, while some Indonesian sites exhibit higher episodic spikes, likely influenced by localized pollution sources and meteorological conditions. 

AOD serves as a key indicator for atmospheric particulate matter, impacting air quality and radiative forcing. It quantifies the extent to which aerosols in the atmosphere scatter and absorb sunlight, influencing visibility and climate interactions. Lower AOD values signify reduced aerosol concentrations and improved air quality, whereas elevated AOD levels indicate higher atmospheric particle loads, often associated with biomass burning, industrial emissions, or transboundary haze events.

Aerosol suspended in the atmosphere can be quantified using the AOD as an indicator. The AOD data is extracted from the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) sites operated by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (https://aeronet.gsfc.nasa.gov/).

The dataset has been retrieved and analyzed for selected AERONET sites in Malaysia and its surrounding regions.

Nur Izzati Zaini & Maggie Ooi Chel Gee. Monthly Averaged Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) at 500nm Across Selected AERONET Sites in Southeast Asia for Year 2024. Institute of Climate Change, UKM. MyIKLIM database. Available online:  https://myiklimysd.ukm.my/aqsh_002_ikl/