Atmospheric Composition and Air Quality; Remote Sensing; Aeolian Processes & Modeling; Predictability of the Earth's Weather & Climate Systems; Atmospheric Physics, Chemistry, & Dynamics; Computer Programming; Statistics

(1990s–2010s) Land-use change doubled dust-pollution over Phoenix. 

Details: Click or DOI: 10.1016/j.apr.2024.102230

2024 Summer Dust from Sahara to Caribbean and Beyond Click to Read

MODIS Land Use Land Cover in 2020 for the Conterminous USA and Northern Mexico

Recent Dust Storm Events & Studies

Dust storms are spectacular, but also dangerous to road transport and aviation (reducing visibility), and public health (polluting air). They modulate weather and climate (absorbing/scattering radiation and modifying cloud properties) and influence terrestrial and marine ecosystems (supplying mineral nutrients).

Dust storm of 15 Dec 2021 (Image: NASA worldview)
Meteorological & Air Quality Conditions During the December 2021 Dust Storm over the Dust Bowl area in the Great Plains
Synoptic Situation During an April Dust Storm over the Southwestern United States
During the dust storm of 8–9 April 2013​

Regional-scale source attribution of windblown dust during dust storms appears scarce. We have made such an attempt. Similar studies are essential for developing mitigation plans to reduce the harmful effects of dust on public health and the environment.

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