Message from Division Chair
Despite many centuries of research, physics is still a vast field with numerous specialized disciplines
dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the universe. By integrating knowledge from various
branches, we hope to achieve deeper insights into both known and unknown phenomena. Under
this division, we seek to bring together researchers from different disciplines and backgrounds and
invite them to fundamentally develop a deeper understanding and provide new insights, including,
but not limited to, the following disciplines at the 2026 ANPA conference platform:
• Observational, Computational, and High Energy Astrophysics
• Evolution and Formation of Stars, Galaxies, and Celestial Objects
• Cosmology, Dark Matter, and Dark Energy
• Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy
• Heliophysics and Planetary Science
• Solar and Magnetospheric Physics
• Space Physics and Aeronomy
• Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences
Important Links
Download Abstract Booklet
Submit Research for Publication
Conference Timeline
Division Schedule
Please look below for detailed schedule.
|
Date/Time: |
Abstract Number: ANPA2026N00063 Presenting Author: Barun Ghimire Co-Authors: 1. Shriram Sharma 2. Navaraj Karki 3. Khem Narayan Poudyal Presenter's Affiliation: Applied Science and Chemical Engineering, IOE PUlchowk Title: Estimation and Mitigation of Lightning Effects on Medium Voltage Overhead Lines Iin Nepal’s Power Distribution System Location: In-Person Presentation, CDP Show/Hide Abstract This paper develops and applies a concise, data-driven methodology to evaluate and mitigate the lightning performance of medium-voltage (MV) overhead distribution lines in Nepal, demonstrated on the Goldhunga 11/0.4 kV feeder. The framework treats both direct strikes and nearby-ground flashes, combining Eriksson’s striking-distance model with the electrogeometric model (EGM) and Rusck’s formulation, and embedding Anderson–Eriksson peak-current statistics. Local exposure is quantified from Nepal’s 2015–2023 ground-flash-density record, capturing the country’s monsoon-driven lightning climate and complex terrain. Sensitivity studies span insulation strength (critical flashover voltage, CFO), pole height, and corridor shielding (residential, industrial, commercial). Comparing conventional pin-type (CFO = 225 kV) with pin-post (CFO = 300 kV) insulators shows that raising CFO nearly eliminates induced-voltage flashovers (? two orders of magnitude reduction), yielding up to ~33% lower total flashovers depending on shielding conditions. Results further confirm that the direct-strike component scales with ground-flash density and decreases with urban shielding, whereas the induced component is primarily governed by insulation coordination. The study provides actionable guidance for the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA): adopt ~300 kV pin-post insulation on MV feeders, prioritize surge-arrester placement on exposed segments, and leverage corridor shielding where feasible. The approach requires modest input yet produces decision-ready metrics, offering a transferable template for utilities operating in similar lightning-prone, mountainous regions.
|
||||||
|
Date/Time: |
Abstract Number: ANPA2026N00060 Presenting Author: Rudra Prasad Poudel Co-Authors: Rudra Prasad Poudel; Ram Krishna Tiwari; Harihar Paudyal Presenter's Affiliation: Central Department of Physics Title: Fractal Seismicity and B-value in the Central Himalaya Location: In-Person Presentation, CDP Show/Hide Abstract The Seismic b-value and fractal dimensions (Dc) are two parameters that both estimate the seismic behavior of a region. Here, dividing the Central Himalaya region into four cluster regions from west to east, these parameters are estimated. The International Seismological Society (ISC) data from 1964 to December 2023 are used. After de-clustering at a 95% confidence level, the number of clusters for the selected seismic regions was finalized as 367, 96, 296, and 213, with a magnitude of completeness (MC) ranging from 3.6 to 3.7.
Dc values for regions 1 to 4 are 1.61 ± 0.42, 1.29 ± 0.36, 1.62 ± 0.40, and 1.46 ± 0.30, and the b-values are 0.65 ± 0.03, 0.73 ± 0.08, 0.95 ± 0.05, and 0.73 ± 0.05, respectively. The results reveal distinct seismic characteristics across the cluster regions. Region 2 exhibits the lowest Dc (1.29) and moderately low b-value (0.73), indicating highly clustered seismicity along a simple master fault that represents the highest seismic potential. The positive correlation between b-value and Dc also supports simple fault geometry. In contrast, Regions 1 and 3 show higher Dc values (1.61 and 1.62), indicating distributed deformation across complex fault networks. However, Region 1 has an unusually low b-value (0.65), suggesting strong, competent rocks that sustain high stress even with distributed fracturing. The higher b-value in Region 3 may be due to loss of stress during the Gorkha earthquake (7.6 Mw). Region 4 shows intermediate characteristics (Dc = 1.46, b = 0.73), representing a transitional regime between simple and complex faulting. In conclusion, region 2 is identified as the most hazardous region in the Central Himalaya and needs further study.
|
||||||
|
Date/Time: |
Abstract Number: ANPA2026N00064 Presenting Author: Prakash Man Shrestha Co-Authors: Rudra Aryal;Baburam Tiwari;Khem Narayan Poudyal Presenter's Affiliation: Patan Multiple Campus Title: Atmospheric Turbidity and Visibility over Western City of Nepal, Nepalgunj Location: In-Person Presentation, CDP Show/Hide Abstract Atmospheric turbidity and visibility are an important for the air pollution and climate change. This paper deals about temporal variation of atmospheric visibility and atmospheric turbidity over Western City of Nepal, Nepalgunj (28.05oN, 81.62oE and 165 m a.s.l.). The solar radiation, Linke Turbidity index and visibility are calculated from daily clearness index data of NASA satellite for period of 11 years (2008 to 2018). The annual average of solar radiation (Hg), clearness index (KT), Linke turbidity index (LT) and visibility are found 17.4 ±7.0 MJ/m2/day, 0.53 ± 0.13, 4.1 ± 1.9 and 10.1 ± 3.7 km respectively. In study period, number of good days (visibility >15 km) and number of bad days (visibility < 5 km) are found to be 387 and 276 respectively for aviation whereas number of clear days (KT > 0.65) and number of cloudy days (KT < 0.34) are found to be 758 and 404 respectively. The study also applied the Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) to scrutinize Hg, KT, LT and visibility. A notable observation is the power density peak of 200 in the LT during the period from the mid of 2012 to the mid of 2013, within 7.5-year timeframe. The visibility and atmospheric turbidity are used on agriculture, hydrology, climate change, aviation and energy harvesting. This research work is beneficial for the further identification, impact and analysis of atmospheric turbidity and visibility at different places.
|
||||||
|
Date/Time: |
Abstract Number: ANPA2026N00065 Presenting Author: Madhu Sudan Paudel Co-Authors: Basu Dev Ghimire; Narayan Prasad Chapagain Presenter's Affiliation: Central Department of Physics, IoST, TU Title: Morphological Changes in Eia Profile Prior to Strong Earthquakes in Low-latitude Regions Location: In-Person Presentation, CDP Show/Hide Abstract In low-latitude regions, the behavior of ionospheric Total Electron Content (TEC) prior to strong earthquakes is strongly influenced by the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA). In this study, we investigate the morphological changes in the EIA profile preceding earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 6.0 that occurred in recent decades across South Asian and Pacific regions. Ionospheric TEC data are obtained from GNSS stations located within the earthquake preparation zone (EPZ) and from Global Ionospheric Maps (GIM-TEC). To identify anomalies, both temporal and spatial variations of TEC are analyzed in the days leading up to the earthquakes. The latitudinal distribution of TEC reveals significant morphological changes in the EIA profile on anomaly days. It is observed that the EIA crests tend to shift equatorward during negative TEC anomalies and poleward during positive anomalies. In some cases, one of the EIA crests nearly disappears, while in most cases, asymmetric or unbalanced crest structures are evident from a few days up to about a week prior to the earthquake. These changes are likely associated with the interaction between earthquake-induced anomalous electric fields and the background zonal electric field, which modulates the fountain effect in the EIA region. Such processes can be interpreted within the framework of the lithosphere–atmosphere–ionosphere coupling (LAIC) mechanism.
|
||||||
|
Date/Time: |
Abstract Number: ANPA2026N00067 Presenting Author: Rudra Aryal Co-Authors: Ella Rogers; Madhu Gyawali; Jeevan Regmi Presenter's Affiliation: Franklin Pierce University, Rindge, NH Title: Study of Aerosol Transport and Optical Properties over Tropical and Temperate Regions of the Northern Hemisphere Location: In-Person Presentation, Kennesaw Show/Hide Abstract This study will present aerosol optical characteristics over tropical and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere using long-term observations from a few corresponding sites of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET). A high-quality, cloud-screened measurement of column-integrated aerosol properties obtained from ground-based sun photometers will be used for this analysis. Key aerosol parameters, such as aerosol optical depth (AOD), Angstrom exponent (AE), single-scattering albedo (SSA), and absorption aerosol optical depth (AAOD), and microphysical properties of aerosols are analyzed to characterize aerosol loading, size distribution, and radiative properties. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) HYSPLIT trajectory model will be presented to show how air parcels and pollutants have influenced the corresponding observation sites over time. This air mass trajectory analysis, combined with the knowledge that northeasterly winds help identify the transport of desert dust, marine aerosols, and biomass-burning particles over long distances in the tropical regions, is useful. Similarly, in the temperate region, we will analyze the how the combination of the westerlies and the regional pollution sources influences transport. The combined analysis of AERONET observations and HYSPLIT trajectories will support the analysis and comparison of aerosol optical properties that are highly dependent on air-mass origin and transport pathways, and that indicate the prevailing wind systems. The combination of various air mass trajectories, prevailing wind patterns in the region, and column-based aerosol optical properties will be provided to provide a comprehensive understanding of aerosol dynamics in the region.
|
||||||
|
Date/Time: |
Abstract Number: ANPA2026N00068 Presenting Author: Naresh Adhikari Co-Authors: nan Presenter's Affiliation: Fayetteville Technical Community College Title: Introducing Undergraduate Students to Gravitational-wave Astronomy Through Ligo/virgo Open Data Location: In-Person Presentation, Kennesaw Show/Hide Abstract With advances in gravitational-wave detectors and frequent detection of gravitational-wave (GW) signals, we can now conduct research using real detector data, public catalogs of events, and open-source analysis software. Such analyses are at the forefront of research involving the analysis of publicly available gravitational wave strain data and event products in noise, and the understanding of the physical significance of the source parameters through guided undergraduate research projects.
The primary aim of these projects is to give students exposure to cutting-edge computational astrophysics through real-world research. Using publicly available LIGO/Virgo data, students were able to get hands-on experience in computer science, including programming, statistics, data analysis, and visualization, and were prepared to be better suited for future graduate studies and for career readiness. In this talk, I will present an overview of GW signals, detection methods, and source characterization, and outline the contributions of students' work.
|
||||||
|
Date/Time: |
Abstract Number: ANPA2026N00069 Presenting Author: Sanjib K C Co-Authors: Viacheslav M sadykov Presenter's Affiliation: Georgia State University Title: Aviation Altitude Radiation Exposure: Insights from Machine Learning and Muon Detection Location: In-Person Presentation, Kennesaw Show/Hide Abstract Cumulative exposure to ionizing radiation at aviation altitudes poses significant health risks for aircrews and, at higher altitudes, astronauts. Physics-based models are commonly used to estimate radiation levels during flight; however, they often do not fully capture the rapidly varying and complex nature of atmospheric radiation, limiting real-time prediction accuracy. To address this limitation, we explore machine learning (ML) approaches to improve the analysis and nowcasting of aviation radiation.
Using newly compiled, ML-ready aviation radiation datasets, we train supervised ML models to identify nonlinear relationships between geospace environmental parameters and measured radiation dose rates. Our results show that a gradient boosting (XGBoost) model trained on the concurrent properties of the geospace environment improves radiation prediction accuracy by ~9% compared to the considered physics-based NAIRAS-v3 model. Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) indicate key geospace parameters, including solar and polar field variations play a dominant role in controlling radiation variability at flight altitudes.
In a complementary observational study, we examine the role of secondary cosmic-ray muons in aviation radiation environments below 15 km altitude. Atmospheric muon measurements are analyzed alongside radiation doses modeled by NAIRAS-v3. Correlation studies reveal a strong positive linear relationship between muon counts per minute and modeled radiation dose rates (µSv/h), indicating a statistically significant association between these variables.
|
||||||
|
Date/Time: |
Abstract Number: ANPA2026N00054 Presenting Author: Sujan Prasad Gautam Co-Authors: nan Presenter's Affiliation: Department of Physics, University of Alabama in Huntsville Title: Phase Relationships of Interplanetary Turbulence with Cosmic Rays Aand Geomagnetic Activity across Solar Cycles Location: Virtual Presentation Show/Hide Abstract The modulation of cosmic rays and the variability of geomagnetic activity are fundamentally linked to solar cycle driven processes in the heliosphere. Interplanetary turbulence is thought to play an important role in shaping these relationships. In this study, the magnetic turbulent energy (Eb) is estimated across solar cycles 22 through 24, and its relationships with cosmic ray intensity (CRI) and geomagnetic activity, represented by the SYM-H index, are examined. Cross-wavelet transform and wavelet coherence analyses are used to quantify the temporal and spectral coupling between these parameters over different range of timescales. The results reveal a strong and coherent common power spectrum at the ?11-year solar cycle period between Eb and both CRI and SYM-H. A clear antiphase relationship is observed between Eb and CRI, indicating that enhanced turbulent magnetic energy is associated with reduced cosmic ray intensity, consistent with increased scattering and modulation of energetic particles in a more turbulent heliosphere. In addition, Eb exhibits a negative phase relationship with SYM-H, suggesting that larger turbulent energy corresponds to stronger geomagnetic activity and storm conditions. Beyond the dominant solar cycle periodicity, higher-frequency fluctuations are also identified, indicating short term variability associated with transient solar wind structures. Therefore, there is a strong long-term coupling between interplanetary turbulence, cosmic ray modulation, and geomagnetic activity, showing its role in solar cycle driven space weather variability. These findings demonstrate a strong long-term coupling between interplanetary turbulence, cosmic ray modulation, and geomagnetic activity, showing its role in solar cycle driven space weather variability.
|
||||||
|
Date/Time: |
Abstract Number: ANPA2026N00055 Presenting Author: Sushma Lamichhane Co-Authors: nan Presenter's Affiliation: Birendra Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University Title: Orbital Stability Analysis Of Retrograde Resonant Exomoons In The Hd 99109 System Location: Virtual Presentation Show/Hide Abstract This work investigates the orbital stability of hypothetical retrograde exomoons in a star–planet–two-moon system based on HD 99109. The primary objective is to examine how mean-motion resonance and numerical time step selection influence orbital stability.
Numerical simulations are conducted using the REBOUND N-body integrator. The WHFast symplectic integrator is employed for large-scale parameter surveys, while IAS15 is used for validation. Stability is characterized using the MEGNO chaos indicator across a grid of semi-major axis and eccentricity.
The system consists of an Earth-mass inner moon and a massless outer moon in a 2:1 resonance on retrograde orbits. Results demonstrate strong timestep sensitivity, where larger timesteps can mask chaotic behavior, while smaller timesteps reveal finer dynamical structures. Resonance further constraints stability regions within narrow parameter ranges.
Orbital evolution analysis confirms bounded behavior in stable regions and strong sensitivity in chaotic regions. The results emphasize the importance of numerical accuracy and provide a foundation for future studies involving additional perturbations such as multi-planet and circumbinary systems.
|
||||||
|
Date/Time: |
Abstract Number: ANPA2026N00056 Presenting Author: Ashok Silwal Co-Authors: nan Presenter's Affiliation: Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomic Research (CSPAR), University of Alabama in Huntsville Title: Turbulence and Energetic Particle Acceleration Associated with Corotating Interaction Regions in the inner Heliosphere Location: Virtual Presentation Show/Hide Abstract Stream Interaction Regions (SIRs), or Corotating Interaction Regions (CIRs), form when fast solar wind streams from coronal holes interact with preceding slower wind, producing compressed plasma structures that corotate with the Sun. These structures play a key role in accelerating and transporting energetic particles in the heliosphere and driving significant space weather effects at Earth, as they can initiate moderate to severe geomagnetic storms and recur for several solar rotations. This highlights the importance of SIRs/CIRs in the fundamental science of particle acceleration.
Despite decades of in situ measurements and theoretical advances, the mechanisms governing the injection, acceleration, and transport of SIR-associated energetic particles within 1 AU remain only partially understood. In this work, we investigate energetic particle behavior in SIRs/CIRs using multi-spacecraft observations, particularly from Parker Solar Probe (PSP) and Solar Orbiter (SolO), complemented by measurements near 1 AU (e.g., Wind and ACE). We analyze 26 SIR/CIR events observed by PSP in the inner heliosphere (0.15–0.8 AU), none of which exhibit clear shock signatures. Superposed epoch analysis reveals that these structures are weak and compression-dominated, yet they produce substantial particle enhancements from suprathermal to MeV energies. By combining observations from PSP, SolO, STEREO-A, and near-Earth spacecraft, this study provides clear evidence that SIR-associated energetic particles within 1 AU originate from an extended source region: suprathermal particles (<1 MeV/nuc) are locally accelerated near compression regions (likely near the stream interface), while higher-energy particles (?1 MeV/nuc) are consistent with acceleration at CIR-driven shocks beyond 1 AU. These results demonstrate that both local and remote processes jointly govern particle acceleration in SIRs.
|
||||||
|
Date/Time: |
Abstract Number: ANPA2026N00057 Presenting Author: Aayush Gautam Co-Authors: Dr. Juan Pablo Farias; Professor Jonathan C. Tan Presenter's Affiliation: Department of Astronomy, University of Virginia Title: Stellar Clustering and Multiplicity around Massive Stars in Young Star Clusters Location: Virtual Presentation Show/Hide Abstract Massive stars, those with > 8 ??? are known to have high degrees of multiplicity, e.g., with about 60% in triples or higher-order multiples. Such high levels of multiplicity may be “primary”, i.e., arising during the formation, or “secondary”, i.e., arising as a result of dynamical processing of already formed stars in dense clusters. The level of primary multiplicity is expected to be an important metric to help distinguish between different formation scenarios, such as core accretion and competitive accretion. The level of secondary multiplicity is expected to evolve with time and be sensitive to local cluster environment. Here we analyze a suite of ???body simulations to study bound multiplicity and local projected stellar density, ???, around massive stars within gradually forming star clusters in the Turbulent Clump Core Accretion (TCCA) paradigm, which are described by initial clump mass, surrounding cloud mass surface density and star formation efficiency per free fall time. Stars are drawn in an unbiased way from the initial mass function and with a 50% chance of being primordial binaries, which can be considered as a limiting, idealized case of core accretion models. We find that massive stars rapidly gather triple or higher order bound companions and enhancements in local ??? via dynamical processes. We study these metrics as a function of environment in a given cluster, i.e., for massive stars in the central and outer regions of the bound cluster and for unbound/ejected massive stars, quantifying the increasing multiplicity and projected crowding that arises towards cluster centers. We also study how secondary multiplicity tends to decrease in more massive clusters due to their higher velocity dispersions, but rises as the mean density of the bound cluster increases. We find our ??? radial profiles are shallower compared to those in the STARFORGE simulations, which form massive stars via competitive accretion. A comparison to the AFGL5180 system, which has a relatively shallow ??? profile, suggests it is better described by TCCA models. However, a larger number of observed systems is needed to discriminate between these formation models.
|
||||||
|
Date/Time: |
Abstract Number: ANPA2026N00058 Presenting Author: Anju Panthi Co-Authors: nan Presenter's Affiliation: Indian Institute of Astrophysics Title: Blue Straggler Stars: Insights from UV Observations, Binary Evolution, and Variability Location: Virtual Presentation Show/Hide Abstract Blue straggler stars (BSSs) are rejuvenated main-sequence stars whose formation is closely linked to binary evolution processes such as mass transfer and mergers. We present a multi-wavelength and multi-technique study of BSSs in open clusters and the Galactic field, combining ultraviolet observations, spectral energy distribution (SED) analysis, binary evolution modeling, and time-domain variability.
Using UltraViolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) observations from AstroSat, along with complementary optical and infrared data, SEDs are constructed for BSSs and related populations in clusters spanning ages of ~1–4 Gyr. A significant fraction of BSSs (?50%) exhibit ultraviolet excess, indicating the presence of hot companions. Binary-component SED fitting reveals a diverse population of white dwarf (WD) companions, including extremely low-mass, low-mass, and normal-mass WDs, providing direct evidence for mass-transfer-driven formation pathways.
In the Galactic field, ~44% of blue metal-poor stars are found to host WD companions, confirming their nature as field BSSs and supporting a binary evolution origin.
Binary evolution models computed using MESA reproduce key observed properties and constrain the roles of wind accretion, Roche lobe overflow, and wind Roche lobe overflow in shaping BSS systems. Additionally, time-domain analysis using TESS and ZTF light curves provides independent constraints on binarity and system parameters.
These results consistently point to binary evolution as the dominant formation channel for BSSs across different environments.
|
||||||
|
Date/Time: |
Abstract Number: ANPA2026N00059 Presenting Author: Rakshak Adhikari Co-Authors: nan Presenter's Affiliation: Center for Relativity and Cosmology, Troy University Title: Geometric Approach to Force-free Electrodynamics Location: Virtual Presentation Show/Hide Abstract Force-Free Electrodynamics (FFE) describes highly magnetized plasmas in extreme astrophysical settings, but its nonlinear equations make exact solutions difficult to obtain. In this talk, we present a geometric approach based on foliating spacetime into two-dimensional surfaces adapted to the electromagnetic field. This construction follows from the fact that force-free fields naturally define an involutive distribution.
Using this framework, we derive new exact solutions in a variety of spacetime geometries, including cases where the metric is only partially specified. We also present time-dependent solutions that transition between magnetically and electrically dominated regimes, along with vacuum solutions in general axisymmetric spacetimes.
Overall, this approach provides a clear geometric perspective on force-free fields and expands the range of solvable models in relativistic plasma physics.
|
||||||
|
Date/Time: |
Abstract Number: ANPA2026N00061 Presenting Author: Nabin Malakar Co-Authors: Islambek Karagulov; Santosh Sapkota; Shyam Prasad Kuikel; Kailash Basnet; Santoss Pandey Presenter's Affiliation: Worcester State University Title: Investigation of Long-term Aerosol Optical Depth in South-asia Domain Location: Virtual Presentation Show/Hide Abstract South Asia represents one of the most complex aerosol environments globally, characterized by high anthropogenic emissions, diverse topography, and seasonal monsoonal shifts. This study investigates the long-term spatial and temporal characteristics of Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) across the South Asian domain using high-resolution data from the MODIS instruments aboard the Terra and Aqua satellite platforms. By analyzing the multi-decadal $\tau_{550}$ (AOD at 550 nm) record, we identify persistent hotspots and shifting regional trends. To enhance traditional statistical analysis, various Machine Learning (ML) framework (e.g. Random Forest (RF) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks) was implemented to characterize complex aerosol patterns and we investigated a predicted future loading trends. The ML models were trained on a combination of satellite-derived AOD, meteorological parameters, and land-use data to disentangle the drivers of aerosol variability. Results demonstrate a long-term patterns in aerosol loading over the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), with ML clustering revealing distinct seasonal "regimes" driven by biomass burning and dust transport. This investigation provides a high-fidelity characterization of the South Asian atmosphere, offering critical insights for regional air quality management and climate forcing assessments in a rapidly evolving geographical context.
|
||||||
|
Date/Time: |
Abstract Number: ANPA2026N00062 Presenting Author: Jeevan Regmi Co-Authors: nan Presenter's Affiliation: Prithvi Narayan campus, Pokhara, Tribhuvan University Title: A Systematic Evaluation of the Morphological and Elemental Characteristics of Suspended Dust in Pokhara Location: Virtual Presentation Show/Hide Abstract A Systematic Evaluation of the Morphological and Elemental Characteristics of Suspended Dust in Pokhara
Jeevan Regmi1
1Department of Physics, Prithvi Narayan Campus, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara, Nepal
Pokhara is the largest city by area in the foothills of Himalayan region in Nepal possesses unique topography with stunning beauty. But over the past few years, it is facing serious air quality issues due to increased anthropogenic activities; especially, increased industrial activities, unplanned urbanisation, growing population and increased vehicular emissions; posing a threat to the environmental sustainability and public health.
This study investigates the elemental composition and morphology of the suspended urban dust in major pollution hotspots of Pokhara city. The dust samples were collected from ten different locations in the city with the possibility of high pollution levels. A range of analytical methods was used, including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (FESEM/EDX), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), along with the HYSPLIT trajectory model for weather pattern analysis. XRD analysis resulted the presence of crystalline phases mostly made up of silica (SiO?) and calcium carbonate (CaCO?). Whereas, FESEM/EDX analysis revealed a significant amount of organic matter along with trace levels of aluminosilicate minerals and the atmospheric profile of the study area is intricately shaped by the seasonal variations of transboundary pollution.
This study reveals the complex mixture of natural mineral dust and anthropogenic pollutants, that could help develop eco-friendly technologies and guide legislation and policies, ultimately improving pollution control efforts in Pokhara.
Keywords: Aerosols, Air quality, Climate change, Transboundary pollution, Urban dust
|
||||||
|
Date/Time: |
Abstract Number: ANPA2026N00066 Presenting Author: Madhu Gyawali Co-Authors: Shriram Sharma, Rudra Aryal Presenter's Affiliation: San Jacinto College, Houston, Texas Title: Cement and Brick Factories Contribute Elevated Levels of No 2 Pollution in Nepal: Evidence of High- Resolution View from Space Location: Virtual Presentation Show/Hide Abstract Air pollution is rising in parts of Nepal where brick kilns and cement factories are rapidly expanding. Nitrogen dioxide (NO?), a key indicator of air quality, can be tracked from space. This talk will present recently published research using high-resolution observations from the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) to examine how NO? levels have changed across industrial regions of Nepal between 2018 and 2021.
The results show a sharp increase in pollution over the Lumbini–Butwal–Palpa corridor, where NO? levels and inferred NO? emissions nearly doubled within just three years, making this region more polluted than the Kathmandu Valley. In contrast, Kathmandu shows little long-term change, aside from a temporary drop in 2020 during COVID-19 restrictions. While these findings generally follow the long-term upward trend seen by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), the much steeper rise in this corridor points to the growing impact of brick and cement industries, including large facilities such as the Hongshi-Shivam Cement plant.
|
||||||