CATUC_AOD_1626

The CATUC_AOD_1626 dataset was collected from year 2016 to year 2026 from the AERONET website. This dataset is made up of data collected by the AERONET photometer installed at the Catholic University of Cameroon (CATUC) Bamenda. Bamenda is in the North West Region of Cameroon. The photometer is an important scientific instrument used for atmospheric observation and environmental research. AERONET, which stands for AErosol RObotic NETwork, is a global network of ground-based sun photometers designed to measure aerosol properties in the atmosphere. The presence of this instrument at CATUC places the institution within an international framework of atmospheric monitoring and climate research. The photometer is specifically designed to measure aerosol optical depth (AOD), which indicates the concentration of particles such as dust, smoke, and pollution in the atmosphere. It works by tracking the sun and measuring the intensity of sunlight at different wavelengths as it passes through the atmosphere. From these measurements, scientists can determine how aerosols affect visibility, air quality, and climate processes. The data collected is automatically transmitted to global databases managed by organizations such as NASA and PHOTONS. At CATUC Bamenda, the AERONET photometer serves both research and educational purposes. It provides students and researchers with hands-on experience in atmospheric science, environmental monitoring, and data analysis. The data collected can be used in studies related to climate change, air pollution, and environmental sustainability, particularly in the North West Region of Cameroon where such data is often limited.