Brown carbon is a significant contributor to aerosol climate forcing in the northwestern Himalayas

Key Points

• This research aims to assess the optical properties and sources of brown carbon as a climate forcing agent in the northwestern Himalayas.
• Analyzed the optical properties of brown carbon from various sources in the northwestern Himalayas.
• Utilized water and organic-extractable methods to study brown carbon samples.
• Identified significant sources of brown carbon contributing to aerosol climate forcing.
• Demonstrated the optical properties of brown carbon that enhance its climate relevance.