Data obtained in this study is taken from the years 2001 to 2010 monthly averaged Level-3 MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) Terra global data retrievals and the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission version seven (TRMM V7) precipitation data during June through December are employed. MODIS cloud and aerosol properties retrievals include the mean atmospheric water vapor, mean cloud optical thickness (liquid and ice), mean cloud effective radius (liquid and ice), mean cloud water path (liquid and ice), mean near-infrared water vapor in the presence of clouds, aerosol optical depth, and angstrom coefficients. Principal Component Analysis and Kriging of these variables are used to evaluate spatial and temporal precipitation variability and cloud optical characteristics associated with the monsoon. This investigation aims to identify zones of frequent extreme rainfall occurrences and shifts in seasonal precipitation trends. This analysis seeks to determine whether relationships exist between urban aerosols, cloud optical properties, and precipitation variability in equatorial regions.
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