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As a potential consequence of climate change, the intensity and frequency of dust storms are increasing. A dust storm arises when strong winds blow loose dust from a dry surface, transporting soil particles from one place to another. The environmental and human health impacts of dust storms are substantial. Accordingly, studying the monitoring of this phenomenon and predicting its pathways for early decision making and warning are vital. This study employs deep learning methods to predict dust storm pathways. Specifically, hybrid CNN-LSTM and ConvLSTM models have been proposed for the 24 h-ahead prediction of dust storms in the region under study. The Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications version 2 (MERRA-2) product that includes the dust particles and the meteorological information, such as surface wind speed and direction, relative humidity, surface air temperature, and skin temperature, is used to train the proposed models. These contextual features are selected utilizing the random forest feature importance method. The results indicate an improvement in the performance of both models by considering the contextual information. Moreover, a 0.2 increase in the Kappa coefficient criterion across all forecast hours indicates the CNN-LSTM model outperforms the ConvLSTM model when contextual information is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In April 2023, a major dust storm event in Lanzhou attracted widespread attention. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the causes, progression, and dust sources of this event using multiple data sources and methods. Backward trajectory analysis using the HYSPLIT model was employed to trace the origins of the dust, while FY-2H satellite data provided high-resolution dust distribution patterns. Additionally, the MAIAC AOD product was used to analyze Aerosol Optical Depth, and concentration-weighted trajectory (CWT) analysis was used to identify key dust source regions. The study found that PM10 played a dominant role in the storm, and the AOD values during the storm in Lanzhou were significantly higher than the annual average, highlighting the severe impact on regional air quality. Key meteorological conditions influencing the storm's occurrence were analyzed, including the formation and eastward movement of a high-potential ridge, convection driven by diurnal temperature variations, and surface temperature increases coupled with decreased relative humidity, which together promoted the generation and development of dust. Backward trajectory and dust distribution analyses revealed that the dust primarily originated from Central Asia, western Mongolia, Xinjiang, and Gansu. From the 19th to the 21st, the dust distribution showed similarities between day and night, with a noticeable increase in dust concentration from night to day due to strong vertical atmospheric mixing. To mitigate the impacts of future dust storms, this study highlights both short-term and long-term strategies, including enhanced monitoring systems, public health advisories, and vegetation restoration in key source regions. Strengthening regional and international cooperation for transboundary dust management is also emphasized as critical for sustainable mitigation efforts. These findings are significant for understanding and predicting the causes, characteristics, and environmental impacts of dust storms in Lanzhou and the Northwestern region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "dust belt" region extending from the western Sahara to the Gobi Desert frequently generates severe dust storms that cause hazardous air quality and disrupt daily activities. Dust storm management systems with proactive mitigation strategies can minimize the detrimental impacts of dust storms. This study applies the HYSPLIT model to simulate dust storms in Saudi Arabia, specifically targeting the eastern region. The study's main objective is to calibrate and validate the model's dust storm prediction module for the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. The validated HYSPLIT model, with optimized parameters such as threshold friction velocity, particle release rate, and dry deposition velocity from model calibration studies, showed a strong linear correlation between measured and predicted values. It achieved an R2 of 0.9965, indicating excellent model accuracy. The main findings of the source apportionment approach, employing air particle backward trajectories and frequency analyses, indicated that the northern regions, specifically Iraq and Syria, were the primary sources of the severe dust storms observed in the receptor area. The outcomes of this study will be a reference for future research aimed at improving dust storm management systems and selecting sites for tree-planting campaigns under the "Saudi & Middle East Green Initiatives". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Dust storms are destructive extreme weather events that are difficult to detect because of their large spatial distributions and temporal movement characteristics. The Mongolian Plateau is one of the most important dust sources and poses a serious threat to dust storm disasters in north-east Asia. Understanding the transboundary transport pathways and meteorological driving forces of dust is crucial for dust storm prevention and control. We selected one extreme dust storm event that occurred from 19th to 24th March 2023, in the southern Mongolian Plateau, identified its spatial-temporal transport pathways, and analyzed the impact of multiple meteorological components on dust storm occurrences. The daily distribution of dust storms was recognized firstly by using a normalized difference dust index supported by MOD09GA data. ERA-5 hourly data were used to analyze the spatiotemporal variations of meteorological components. By integrating data on the daily distribution of dust storms with the time-series trends of meteorological components, this study identified dewpoint temperature, air temperature, wind components, surface pressure, and precipitation as the key variables influencing the formation and propagation of dust storms. The results showed that dust storm occurrence is associated with a reduction in dewpoint temperature and increase in air dryness. Low-pressure systems are important precursors of dust storm formation, and strong winds drive their propagation and spread. The reversal of these meteorological trends reduces their intensity and extent, while increased precipitation at the end of a dust storm event helps settle dust. These findings provide crucial insights into the meteorological driving forces and predictability of dust storms on the Mongolian Plateau, and can be utilized in other geographical areas prone to dust storm.

Blowing dust is one of the most common natural phenomena in arid and semi-arid regions, which causes a lot of damage every time it occurs. This phenomenon is introduced as a natural hazard in terms of negative effects in natural and human-managed ecosystems, and it is one of the most important problems of societies in arid and semi-arid regions. This research was simulated using the WRF-Chem model and GOCART scheme in the Jazmurian basin in southeast Iran to investigate and analyze this phenomenon. The results showed that the numerical simulation of the dust storm using the WRF-Chem model simulated surface dust concentration values UTC18 on December 17, 2016, in the south of Sistan and Baluchistan province and Hormozgan province were higher than 2500 µg/m3, and more than 2000 µg/m3 in the central areas of Jazmurian region. To prevent destructive dust storms and reduce the emission of dust in this region, international protocols are needed for the correction and rehabilitation of degraded lands and activities to prevent desertification to stabilize degraded soils.

Blowing dust is one of the most common natural phenomena in arid and semiarid regions, which causes a lot of damage every time it occurs. This phenomenon is introduced as a natural hazard in terms of negative effects in natural and human-managed ecosystems, and it is one of the most important problems of societies in arid and semi-arid regions. This research was simulated using the WRF-Chem model and GOCART scheme in the Jazmurian basin in southeast Iran to investigate and analyze this phenomenon. The results showed that the numerical simulation of the dust storm using the WRF-Chem model simulated surface dust concentration values UTC18 on December 17, 2016, in the south of Sistan and Baluchistan province and Hormozgan province were higher than 2500 µg/m³, and more than 2000 µg/m³ in the central areas of Jazmurian region. To prevent destructive dust storms and reduce the emission of dust in this region, international protocols are needed for the correction and rehabilitation of degraded lands and activities to prevent desertification to stabilize degraded soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its proximity to major sources of dust (the deserts of Iraq, Syria and Saudi Arabia) in the west, Iran has always faced dust storms and their sequences. Moreover, the Tigris and Euphrates basin (TEB) is considered one of the main centers of dust in the region. Hence, it can lead to adverse environmental, social and economic consequences, especially in the dry areas of southwestern Iran, and cause problems in human activities. Thus, identifying and evaluating different dimensions of this phenomenon is of vital importance. Accordingly, the aim of the current study is to investigate the temporal and spatial patterns of dust distribution in the southwest of Iran and to identify its relationship with the trend of surface water changes in the TEB. In this regard, the JRC Landsat dataset was used to monitor surface water changes and an integrated approach based on visual interpretation and assessment of aerosol optical depth (AOD) of MODIS images was used, and the processing was done on the platform of Google Earth Engine (GEE). The findings have shown that the occurrence of dust was largely correlated with the temporal pattern of surface water, and there was a negative correlation of 0.412. Accordingly, with the beginning of the decreasing trend of water in 2008, which has reduced its area to about 8199 km2, the dust storm has intensified and the highest annual frequency of dust has been observed with 2612 cases. Therefore, the role of water changes has been highlighted in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust storms are a common ecological occurrence in many world‘s countries, mainly in dry and semi-dry parts. Dust storms tremendously influence human health, the environment, the climate, and numerous social aspects. In this paper, spatial and temporal analysis, metrological triggers, and trajectory, dust exporting areas of a severe dust storm that occurred in Iraq on May 16, 2022, were investigated. The dust storm's backward trajectory was determined using HYSPLIT model, which is then compared with MODIS and Meteosat satellite images. The weather is then analyzed using the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis model, and the approximate area of these sources was determined using Landsat 8 satellite image classification method. The results revealed that the HYSPLIT model trajectory of the dust storm agreed with MODIS and Meteosat satellite visuals. The primary dust storm sources and their areas are identified. The first source is from the shared border region between Syria (Rif-Dimasshq) and Jordan (north of Al-Ruwaished), with an area of about 775 km² . The second is from the northwestern regions of Iraq, specifically north of Anbar and south of Nineveh, with an area of about 905 km² . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deserts and semi-desert countries have become increasingly affected by dust storms in recent years. In this research, the effect of the real-time multivariate of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) index on the frequency of dust storms in the west of Iran (Sarpol-E-Zahab, Islamabad Gharb, Kermanshah, and Kangavar stations located in Kermanshah province) during February-July for the period 1987-2022 and the frequency percentage of this index for Phases 7-2 (7, 8, 2 and 1) and Phases 3-6 (3, 4, 5 and 6) were investigated. The results of the analysis of the relationship between the MJO and dust storms showed that between 57 and 75% of dust storms occurred in phases 7-2 of the MJO and 25 to 42% in phases 3-6. Phases 7-2 of the MJO have a higher percentage of dust storms than phases 3-6. According to the results of the Mann-Whitney test, the displacement of phases 7-2 and phases 3-6 of the MJO have significantly led to dust storms at the Kermanshah and Kangavar stations. Due to the suitability of the HYSPLIT model for tracking dust storms, the paths of dust entering Kermanshah province were investigated with this model. Tracking the paths of dust entering Kermanshah province with the HYSPLIT model and analyzing the wind speed and direction maps of 850 hPa level indicate an increase in the speed of westerly winds. The increase in the speed of westerly winds and the decrease in soil moisture in phases 7-2 and 3-6 have caused the movement of dust particles from Iraq, eastern parts of Syria, and Khuzestan province to the studied area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the lack of laboratory studies in the field of detection of aerosols and dust in Iran and in Yazd, in this study, using laboratory methods such as Cascade Impactor, a vacuum pump for sampling aerosols, Rotameter and other laboratory materials in the field samples have been analyzed for characteristics of dust particles such as PM10 and PM2.5 particles, and then the particle concentration has been obtained by weighing the specimens. Qualitative and quantitative studies of aerosols existing inside the dust storms is an effective procedure to identify their environmental effects and source detection. Increasing the frequency of these phenomena in desert areas with hot and dry climates, such as Yazd province, is another aspect of climate change, in that dry climates that are getting drier. On the other hand, increasing temperature due to global warming result in the extension of deserts. The main purpose of this study is identification and comparison of some the physical and chemical characteristics of aerosols existing inside dust storms with model results. For this purpose, we used 7-stage cascade impactor, with specific sampling rate and laboratory methods, aligned with PM2.5 and PM10 data. In this study, four days of storms (3 and 23 May, 29 August and 29 September 2018) were examined. At first, with the use of 7-stage cascade impactor, aerosols of dust storm in the range of 0.4-10 μm are collected in different stages and their values were compared with PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations of particles with the reported values of environmental and meteorological organizations of Yazd city. Cascade impactor works with a specific pump in that the sampling inflow of air is 28.4 L/min in that the inflow was adjusted with a mechanical rotameter. The weight of filters was measured before and after the sampling. These filters were placed in the desiccator in order to eliminate the humidity from them. The results showed the compatibility of 24-hour accumulation of hourly data with cascade impactor results. Then, with using atomic absorption spectrometry device, the values of heavy metals such as Pb, Al, Cd in the samples related to the storms of 29 August and 29 September were examined. In the August 29 test, the lead element was in the low enrichment range (EF <3), and the cadmium element in most filters was in the high enrichment range (10

This study examined the heavy metal content in dust storm samples from Erbil, Iraq, along with four other locations. Using ICP-MS, Cd, Ni, Cr, Hg, Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Fe and As were determined. The health risks due to exposure to these metals through ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact were assessed for both adults and children. Non-carcinogenic risks were evaluated using the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI). Children faced a cumulative risk with HQ > 0.2 for As and Cr and HI > 1. The carcinogenic risk was measured using the carcinogenic risk factor (CRF), which fell below 10–6, indicating low cancer risk. However, children had a higher cancer risk (10−4 to 10−6) for As. The pollution indices revealed varying pollution levels from unpolluted to moderately polluted in the studied areas. Overall, this study highlights potential health risks associated with heavy metal exposure during dust storms, particularly for children, and emphasises the importance of addressing these concerns to safeguard public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Semi-arid regions of the world experience diverse climates and weather events, including dust storms. These storms suspend and transport particles in the atmosphere. Objective: The Iraqi Meteorological Organization and Seismology (IOM) is a key data source for researchers studying these dynamics, offering visibility data for Baghdad from several years (2005, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2018, 2022). Baghdad’s data is also included in the ERA-5 dataset from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), which provides precise hourly air temperature data at 2 meters above ground level. Methods: The study investigates the correlation between air temperature and dust storm severity in semi-arid regions, particularly during storm waves, which can constitute up to half of a storm’s duration. The severity of dust storms, influenced by temperature variations, is crucial in understanding storm characteristics. Results: The findings underscore the significance of air temperature in understanding dust storms’ behavior, aiding in refining forecasting models and emergency planning in vulnerable areas. The detailed spatial and temporal data from the study provide a foundation for in-depth research into the complexities of dust storms. Conclusions: By analyzing visibility and temperature records, the study emphasizes the role of climatic factors in shaping dust storm behavior in semi-arid regions.

Sand and dust storms (SDS) pose a wide range of hazards to human society, affecting people in drylands and beyond. This paper, based on a wide-ranging review of the scientific and grey literature, presents, for the first time, a comprehensive synthesis of mitigation and adaptation interventions designed to manage the risks involved and thus build resilience to these SDS hazards in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (Sendai Framework) and the Sustainable Development Goals. It highlights case studies and good practice examples of measures available to reduce the risks and impacts associated with SDS beyond SDS source areas. These measures, which are interrelated and complementary, are summarized under education initiatives (for schools, specific sectors and vulnerable groups), risk/impact assessments (involving information on hazard, exposure and vulnerability), vulnerability assessment/mapping, integrated monitoring and early warning (using the World Meteorological Organization's Sand and Dust Storm Warning Advisory and Assessment System, or SDS-WAS) and emergency response and risk reduction plans (including contingency planning). Many of these measures are developed for other hazards, but not for SDS. Data availability is an important issue in this regard, and the example of Kuwait illustrates that even with a relatively good understanding of SDS, many aspects of impact mitigation remain poorly understood. Developing appropriate responses to SDS hazards is a matter of some urgency given climate change projections that indicate more frequent and intense SDS emissions due to increased aridity and worsening drought conditions (frequency, severity and duration). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The current state of research on Martian ISRU-based binder systems is shown and summarized. • The recommended research directions for Martian ISRU-based binders are described. • Future studies while being subjected to the simulated harsh Martian environment are recommended. The harsh environmental conditions on Mars require building materials that are highly resilient. The cost of transporting binder ingredients for construction materials to Mars is very high. In-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) of Martian resources can help minimise the transportation costs. This review discusses the proposed direction of future investigations to achieve high resiliency and minimal cost for Martian ISRU-based binders. The Martian ISRU-based binders can be bio-based, magnesium-based, polymer-based, geopolymer-based, metal-based or sulphur-based. The review focuses strictly on studies related to the investigation of binder systems produced by utilising simulated in-situ Martian resources. It is divided into sections based on the characteristics of the binder system. Important properties that are investigated include rheological properties, mechanical properties, radiation-shielding properties, and abrasion resistance. The recommended research directions for each Martian ISRU-based binder and other future works related to the key properties are described at the end of this manuscript. This review provides an overview of the potential directions of future research and strongly advocates for additional studies that simulate the behaviour of potential Martian ISRU-based binder systems for use in construction applications in the harsh environment of Mars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust storms play a crucial role in the climate system and the space environment of Mars, significantly impacting human exploration activities on the planet. The Martian dust storms exhibit significant regional, seasonal and interannual variations due to various controlling factors such as large-scale atmospheric circulation, varying solar radiation forcing, and Martial orbital and rotational motions and their coupling to the atmospheric dynamics. This paper aims to review current understandings of Martian dust storms. This paper begins by elucidating the basic properties of dust storms, their driving mechanisms, and their impacts on atmospheric dynamics, atmospheric electric property, space environment, topography, and Mars explorations. The paper then introduces the observation methods on different platforms, including orbiters and landers/rovers, along with datasets constructed based on these historical observations of Martian dust storms. Finally, we propose dust storm monitoring and predicting for the upcoming Chinese Tianwen-3 Mars sample return mission. It concludes by depicting the future research topics aimed at systematically understanding Martian dust storms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taklamakan Desert (TD) has been characterized by numerous heatwaves and dust storms, leading to negative effects on societies and ecosystems at regional and global scales. However, the association between heatwaves and dust storms is poorly known. In this study, we describe the association between heatwaves and dust events and propose a mechanism for such compound events in the TD. The results show that, from 1993 to 2022, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in the TD have increased at a rate of 0.21 days year−1 and 0.02°C year−1, respectively. More than 40% of heatwaves existed with dust events, which significantly lagged behind heatwaves. Mechanically, the higher the air temperature, the hotter and drier the soil, leading to more dust emissions in the TD. In high-occurrence heatwave years, a large-scale wave train of "cyclone-anticyclone-cyclone" in the northwest-southeast direction was found, with the anticyclone of which hovered over the TD region. The anomalous anticyclones favored the formation and maintenance of heatwaves, and subsequent anomalous cyclones in the wave train triggered strong dust events followed by heatwaves. With climate warming, the compound events of heatwave and dust storm are becoming bigger hazards threatening the socioeconomic and ecological security in the TD, the profound study of which is critical to understanding regional extreme responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certain regions within Middle Eastern countries are vulnerable to climate-related hazards, including floods and dust storms, resulting in adverse consequences for these nations and hindering the sustainable development of urban communities. The preservation and development of natural buffer zones, such as green spaces and surface waters, offer nature-based solutions to shield urban areas from the impacts of these hazards. This article examines the significance and legal protection of these buffer zones and concludes that, despite their effectiveness in mitigating floods and dust storms, natural buffer zones have not received distinct recognition as protective zones for urban areas in international and national legal frameworks. The study recommends the integration of natural buffer zones preservation and development into national and regional urban planning and disaster risk management policies and strategies, highlighting their role as nature-based solutions for enhancing urban sustainability in the Middle East, especially Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The formation and occurrence of any climatic phenomenon require conditions that, when the sum of these atmospheric and environmental conditions occur simultaneously, make it possible for the phenomenon to form and occur. Depending on the type of phenomenon, some of these atmospheric or environmental factors are formed in the atmosphere alone, while others are formed in the physical environment under it. A phenomenon like a dust storm is a combined atmospheric-environmental phenomenon. The existence of dry and highly fragmented soils provides favorable conditions for the rise of dust. For this reason, dry deserts, bare plains with soft and granular soils are always prone to this phenomenon as sources of dust production. Therefore, physical substrates with this feature should always be studied and investigated as potential places for dust phenomenon to occur. What is related to atmospheric conditions, severe instabilities without moisture or with little moisture are the basis of dust storms. This weather pattern is more likely to appear in arid and semi-arid climates. It is not possible to control or change the structure of atmospheric phenomena with current human technology. Therefore, the best way to reduce the effects of destructive phenomena such as dust storms in a geographical area is to first identify the source and path of dust storms . Materials and Methods The selected study area for this research is the southwest of Iran, an area that has experienced an increasing trend in the frequency and intensity of dust storms in recent decades. The study area includes the three provinces of Kohgiluyeh, Boyer Ahmad, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari. In the first step of the research, all synoptic stations with complete statistics for 33 years (1986-2019) in the study area were identified and extracted. In the second step, using the data (number of reports of dust phenomenon (nhz), number of reports with dust phenomenon (ndu), number of reports with sand and dust storm phenomenon (nbdu), wind speed and horizontal visibility less than 1000 meters and codes (06.07, 08.09, 30.31, 32.33, 34.35, 98) days with dust were extracted from the data of Meteorological Organization. In the next step, using the website [https://www.ready.noaa.gov/HYSPLIT, ...] (https://www.ready.noaa.gov/HYSPLIT,) the origin of dust storms in the southwest of Iran was plotted using the backward method from the GDAS data system with a resolution of 0.5 degrees. This data is available from 2007. Therefore, for all the dust reports with the above characteristics from each of the sample stations, the origin of the storm has been determined. Results and Discussion Statistical analysis of dust storm reports from selected stations showed that 3027 cases of dust storm have been reported during the 33-year statistical period from a total of selected stations. In terms of monthly distribution, the months of January, February and December respectively have reported the highest number of dust storms. In terms of seasonal distribution, the highest number of pollen reports were from winter (1153 cases, 38.1%) and spring (711 cases, 23.5%) respectively. The highest number of dust storms was reported from the two dry years of 2008 (225 cases) and 2009 (243 cases). In terms of stations, the highest number of dust storms was reported from Ahvaz and Abadan stations. Based on the routing performed in this study, the input dust storms came from six areas: Iraq (from four parts), eastern Mediterranean countries, Saudi Arabia, central and northeast Africa, distant sources in eastern Europe, and local sources within the study area.The origin of 93.25% of the input dust storms to the study area was from sources in central Iraq, and about 20% of the dust storms originated from eastern Mediterranean countries, while 16% of the dust storms were from local sources in Khuzestan province. The origin of dust storms in high-altitude stations in the eastern part of the study area, such as Shahr-e Kord, Yasuj, and Kuhrang, was from distant sources in Syria and Jordan or northeastern Africa. Conclusion Given that, 84% of the dust storms entering the region originate from outside the border. Considering that the two sources of the west and the center of Iraq are the source of 35% of the storms entering the region. Diplomatic efforts for the cooperation of the country of Iraq to stabilize the soil in these resources are very necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Sonoran Desert region, encompassing most of southern Arizona, has an extreme climate that is famous for dust storms known as haboobs. These storms lead to decreased visibility and potentially hazardous driving conditions. In this study we evaluate the relationship between haboob events and emergency department (ED) visits due to motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) in Phoenix, Arizona.Methods: This study is a retrospective analysis of MVC-related trauma presentations to Phoenix, AZ, hospitals before and following haboob dust storms. These events were identified from 2009–2017 primarily using Phoenix International Airport weather data. De-identified trauma data were obtained from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Arizona State Trauma Registry (ASTR) from seven trauma centers within a 10-mile radius of the airport. We compared MVC-related trauma using six- and 24-hour windows before and following the onset of haboob events.Results: There were 31,133 MVC-related trauma encounters included from 2009–2017 and 111 haboob events meeting meteorological criteria during that period. There was a 17% decrease in MVC-related ED encounters in the six hours following haboob onset compared to before onset (235 vs 283, P = 0.04), with proportionally more injuries among males (P < 0.001) and higher mortality (P = 0.02). There was no difference in frequency of presentations (P = 0.82), demographics, or outcomes among the 24-hour pre-and post-haboob groups.Conclusion: Haboob dust storms in Phoenix, Arizona, are associated with a decrease in MVC-related injuries during the six-hour period following storm onset, likely indicating the success of public safety messaging efforts. Males made up a higher proportion of those injured during the storms, suggesting a target for future interventions. Future public-targeted weather-safety initiatives should be accompanied more closely by monitoring and evaluation efforts to assess for effectiveness.

The cryosphere component provides the most reliable and insightful indications of any planet’s climate dynamics. Using data from the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM), we develop a novel approach to determining the broadband Visible and Near Infrared (VNIR) albedo of the Martian surface. This study focuses on albedo changes in the McMurdo crater, part of Mars’s south polar layer deposits. We compare seasonal and interannual variations of the McMurdo surface albedo before, during, and after the Global Dust Storm (GDS) of Martian Year (MY) 34. As the seasons progressed from spring to summer, the mean albedo in MY 32 and 34 plunged by over 40%, by about 35% in MY 33, and by slightly more than 30% in MY 35. Compared interannually, however, mean albedo values within both seasons (spring and summer) exhibited no significant differences in those same years. Notably, interannual albedo difference maps reveal albedo variation of more than ±0.3 in certain regions of the crater. Considering only snow-covered pixels, interannual albedo differences suggest that Mars dust had a pervasive impact on Mars’s cryosphere. Variations in maximum and minimum albedo values as high as 0.5 were observed, depending upon differences in the dust levels in Martian snow/ice. The maximum and the minimum snow albedo values were lowest in MY 34, indicating the effect of the intense dust storm event that year. The average snow albedo decreased from 0.45 in MY 32 to 0.40 in MY 33 and to 0.33 in MY 34, and then rose back to 0.40 in MY 35. This trajectory suggests a temporary deposition of dust, partially reversed after the GDS by self-cleaning mechanisms (local aeolian process and CO2 sublimation/deposition cycle).

In April 2023, a major dust storm event in Lanzhou attracted widespread attention. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the causes, progression, and dust sources of this event using multiple data sources and methods. Backward trajectory analysis using the HYSPLIT model was employed to trace the origins of the dust, while FY-2H satellite data provided high-resolution dust distribution patterns. Additionally, the MAIAC AOD product was used to analyze Aerosol Optical Depth, and concentration-weighted trajectory (CWT) analysis was used to identify key dust source regions. The study found that PM10 played a dominant role in the storm, and the AOD values during the storm in Lanzhou were significantly higher than the annual average, highlighting the severe impact on regional air quality. Key meteorological conditions influencing the storm’s occurrence were analyzed, including the formation and eastward movement of a high-potential ridge, convection driven by diurnal temperature variations, and surface temperature increases coupled with decreased relative humidity, which together promoted the generation and development of dust. Backward trajectory and dust distribution analyses revealed that the dust primarily originated from Central Asia, western Mongolia, Xinjiang, and Gansu. From the 19th to the 21st, the dust distribution showed similarities between day and night, with a noticeable increase in dust concentration from night to day due to strong vertical atmospheric mixing. To mitigate the impacts of future dust storms, this study highlights both short-term and long-term strategies, including enhanced monitoring systems, public health advisories, and vegetation restoration in key source regions. Strengthening regional and international cooperation for transboundary dust management is also emphasized as critical for sustainable mitigation efforts. These findings are significant for understanding and predicting the causes, characteristics, and environmental impacts of dust storms in Lanzhou and the Northwestern region.

Dust storms have been an increasing concern in the Middle East. Severe drought events and human activities, particularly water and land management, have led to emerging dust sources in the last few decades. This study combines spatio-temporal maps of land susceptibility to dust storm incidence with agricultural land use change data to examine the link between farming patterns and dust storm generation in the Tigris and Euphrates Basin from 2000 to 2021. Farmland and bare ground trends depend heavily on water availability, affecting land susceptibility to dust storms. We observed a direct connection between cropping regimes and high land susceptibility to becoming a dust source. Our analysis found no significant correlation between low to intermediate dust storm source (DSS) susceptibility and bare ground trends. However, we found a positive correlation between highly susceptible land and areas where bare ground showed an increasing trend, including the lands that were abandoned for more than 50% of the study period. Among the farming patterns, i.e. single and double cropping, single cropping is more prone to DSS occurrence, underscoring the importance of year-round vegetation cover and effective water management. The disturbed lands, particularly those abandoned post-cropping, show higher susceptibility to DSS incidence. Between 2008 and 2012, dust sources and land susceptibility increased substantially, alongside a significant rise in bare ground, possibly due to severe drought. We highlight cases where changes in farming patterns and land abandonment contribute to the increased or decreased susceptibility of land to being a DSS, as well as consistent susceptibility in the cases where there is no land use change. Given the broad geographical scope of the study, this research underscores the need for further investigation, combining field measurements with remote sensing to obtain a more detailed picture of the link between farming patterns, land abandonment, and dust storms.

In this paper, we use the key parameters data set of the Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission. The particle density profiles of electrons, CO 2 + / N 2 + , CO + , O 2 + , O + , NO + , O 2 and O from 90 to 500 km have been deduced by adopting the Chapman modeling methodology. The correlation of the peak density/altitude with the solar zenith angle, the changes in the profile of the Martian ionosphere during solar flares, and the effects of Martian dust storms are analyzed. The results exhibit a positive/negative correlation between the peak density/altitude of the M2 layer and the solar zenith angle. Within the MAVEN observational record available, only three C-Class flares occurred on 26 August 2016, 29 November 2020, and 26 August 2021. The analysis reveals during these solar flare events, the electron density of the M2 layer above 200 km increases obviously. The peak density of M1 increases by 33.4%, 13.2% and 7.4%, while the peak height decreases by 0.1%, 10.2% and 4.4%, respectively. The Martian dust storm causes the peak height of the M2 layer to increase by 19.5 km, and the peak density to decrease by 4.2 ×   10 9   m − 3 . Our study shows that the Martian ionosphere is similar to the Earth's, which is of great significance for understanding the planetary ionosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In deserts and dry areas, sudden changes in temperature cause strong winds and as a result cause the phenomenon of dust. The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between the occurrence of dust storms and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index at selected stations in the west and southwest of Iran (Abadan, Bostan, Ilam, Dehloran, Kermanshah and Sarpol-E-Zahab). For this purpose, we used the codes of days with dust storms, horizontal visibility of less than 1 km, data related to index values (NAO) during the statistical period 1987-2022, and satellite data including dust optical depth index (AOD) obtained from the productions of the gauges of 2000-2017 MISR and 2002-2022 MODIS periods. The results of the correlation coefficients showed that there is a relatively strong inverse relationship between the NAO index in the negative phase and a weak direct relationship with dust in the positive phase, and between 51% and 70% of the dust occurrences were simultaneous with the positive phase. The graph of changes in the time series of the indices in the two negative and positive phases showed that the value of the AOD index increased from west to southwest, which is evident in the Abadan station. According to the index produced by the MISR sensor in the years 2011 and 2015 in the positive phase and in the year 2008 in the negative phase, the peak of dust storm activity in all stations and its lowest value are related to the Sarpol-E-Zahab and Kermanshah stations in the years 2002 and 2004, respectively. According to the Deep Blue index obtained from the MODIS sensor, the positive phase of 2022 and the negative phase of 2009 can be separated as the peak of dust storms. The results of the Wind rose and HYSPLIT models showed that the direction of dust storms entering Abadan, Bostan and Ilam stations was from the northwest and southwest and in Dehlorn, Kermanshah, and Sarpol-E-Zahab from the west, and the storms with external origin in these stations were influenced more by the countries of Iraq, Syria and Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the sediments of Sistan region are sedimentary and fine-grained, these particles move with the 120-day winds of Sistan, and provide a very suitable platform for the movement of quick sands and dust storms, the consequences of which cause various damages and huge costs. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of 120-day winds and dust storms on different dimensions of livability. The current research is of descriptive-analytical type, which has two main parts in the implementation stages. The first part included documentary and library studies and the use of internet facilities to check the opinions of experts and research background and prepare a list of indicators, and the second part included field studies to collect information and complete research questionnaires. The statistical population of this research includes heads of rural households living in Hirmand city, based on Cochran's formula, 375 heads of households were considered as the sample size to complete the questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics methods, VIKOR model (in determining the intensity of the effects of 120-day winds on different aspects of livability) and ArcGIS software (in drawing maps) and SPSS (in checking the status of indicators and running statistical tests) have been used to analyze the data. According to the results of the research, among the research indicators, the increase in respiratory and eye problems and the decrease in the income of the villagers in the agricultural sector with averages of 4.69 and 4.42, respectively, are the most affected by the 120-day winds and dust storms. Also, based on the results of the regression test, 93.1% of the changes in live ability caused by 120-day winds and dust storms were explained. The results of the analysis of variance in examining the intensity of the effects of 120-day winds and dust storms on different components of livability also confirm that the components of "vulnerability" and "environmental quality" are the most effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Taklimakan Desert in northwest China stands as a significant contributor to dust storms, with its fringe oases already designated as ecologically fragile due to the severe impacts of these storms. This study focuses on Moyu County, situated on the southwest edge of the Taklimakan Desert, examining the origin and transport pathways of dust storms from 2004 to 2021. The classification involves utilizing a 36 h backward trajectory model and the k-means clustering technique, resulting in three clusters displaying distinct transport pathways and entry directions. Air pollutant concentrations at the study site corresponding to each cluster are analyzed to elucidate the contribution of dust storms from different directions. The results categorize 1952 dusty days into three categories: NE-SE (cluster 1), N-N (cluster 2), and NW-W (cluster 3). The highest frequency of dust storms, accounting for 64% of the total suspended dust weather, originates from the northeast and southeast direction (NE-SE category), with relatively weak intensity, mainly as suspended dust (71.5%). Strong sand storms predominantly occur from the northwest direction (57.8%). Cluster 1 (the southeast direction) exhibits a higher concentration of SO2, NO2, and CO, mainly associated with its pathway over anthropogenically polluted areas. Conversely, Cluster 3 (northwest direction) shows higher PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations due to increased wind speed and stronger dust storm intensity. The study develops dust storm early warning schemes based on 15-day advance predictions, utilizing an 18-year trajectory model and local monitoring data. This proposed warning scheme serves as a predictive tool for potential dust storm events and air pollution levels, aiding in both scientific research and policy formulation for dust storm mitigation and adaptation. The data obtained also hols relevance for conducting further scientific research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research has been conducted in Khuzestan Province covering an area of approximately 64057 square kilometers, over a 28 year time (1995- 2022) period and with the aim of evaluating the spatiotemporal pattern of risk and generating a risk map for dust storms. The utilized data includes hourly measurements from the ground stations (8 time slots within 24 hours). Different models were fitted to the empirical change patterns for spatial variations, and the model with minimum RMSE was selected. Subsequently, using this selected model, interpolation was performed with various neighborhood approaches, resulting in a large number of maps. These maps were converted into a cellular grid network within a GIS environment. Each cell was considered as a zone for calculating the computations related to the risk map. Then the information related to the class of exposed elements, the vulnerability class of elements, and the hazard class were separately applied in each cell. Finally, by calculating the risk equation, a cell-based risk map was obtained. The significant difference in areas was tested using the Chi-squared test. The results of the annual study on the phenomenon of dust storms have shown that the Abadan region has the highest average frequency of 18 days per year, this is the highest number of days observed in the entire study area. 61.11% of regional dust events occur between 9:30 am and 6:30 pm local time, and 81.35% of localized dust storm events occur at 3:30 am. Furthermore, the percentage distribution of regional and extraregional dust storms during the statistical period indicates that 78.81% of dust storm days originated from extra- regional sources, while 21.19% originated from regional sources. The spatial distribution pattern of the dust storm intensity hazard map exhibits a “moderate clustering” and follows a specific order. The area percentage of risk classes shows that more than 88% of the area in Khuzestan province is in high and very high risk classes, which is one of the reasons related to the larger population in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two severe dust storm (DS) events (15–17 March and 28–29 March) hit northern China in 2021 consecutively. The lower atmospheric vertical dynamic and thermal structures during the two cases were compared using the ground-based sensor data from the microwave radiometer and radar wind profiler, combined with the environmental and meteorological observations data in Jinan, China. It was found that both cases occurred under the background of cold vortexes over northeastern China. The dust was transported through the cold air on the northwest route. During the dust period, 2–3 km was the west or northwest airflow, and below 2 km was the northeast wind. The variation in the dynamic structure determined the duration of the DS. During the DS maintenance phase, the vertical wind shear (VWS) below 3 km measured approximately 10 m∙(s∙km)−1. The increased VWS during the dust intrusion period facilitated the transportation of dust. In contrast, the more significant VWS was not conducive to the maintenance of DS, and the shift to south wind control in the upper middle layer indicated the weakening of DS. In both cases, we observed a cliff-like decrease in relative humidity as a prominent indicator of dust outbreaks, occurring approximately 2–5 h beforehand. The diurnal difference between the vertical temperature and relative humidity during the dust maintenance period was found to be insignificant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of gravity waves (GWs) in the Martian upper thermosphere, utilizing He and Ar densities measured by the Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer aboard the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN spacecraft. Our investigation revealed that GWs are a persistent phenomenon in Martian thermospheric He densities, akin to their presence in heavier species like Ar and CO2. Intriguingly, we observed that local time and seasonal variations in He GW amplitudes exhibit an almost opposite pattern compared to those in Ar. A significant breakthrough was the identification of a temperature‐dependent transition wavelength distinctly demarcating short and long wavelengths. This transition wavelength, which increases with increasing background temperatures, profoundly influences the dominance of GW amplitudes in He and Ar. In the short‐wavelength limit, GW amplitudes in He prevail, while GW amplitudes in Ar take precedence in the long‐wavelength limit. During periods of lower temperatures during midnight and the dawn terminator, transition wavelengths fall within the observed wavelength range enabling the study of dominance of GWs in He and Ar. Conversely, higher temperatures (>180 K) during daytime and the dusk terminator eliminate transition wavelengths within our observational range. Consequently, the amplitudes of GWs in He dominate over those in Ar. Furthermore, under nominal dust conditions, GWs in both He and Ar exhibit an inverse relationship with their respective background densities. During global dust storm, this inverse relationship is maintained for GWs in He, while GWs in Ar display a slight positive correlation with background Ar densities. Plain Language Summary: Gravity waves (GWs) are a key aspect of planetary upper atmospheres, significantly impacting the local momentum and energy balances. In our study, we used the Mars upper atmospheric (altitudes of 160–200 km) helium (He) and argon (Ar) density data collected by a spacecraft to examine the behavior of GWs. We found that these GWs are always present and show up in the lighter gas like He just as much as they do in the heavier gases like Ar. But, the GWs in He show almost opposite local time and seasonal variations compared to those in Ar. We discovered a transition wavelength that decides how these waves behave. The transition wavelength depends on how hot or cold the atmosphere is. When it is hot, GWs in He dominate and when it is cold, GWs in Ar take over. The transition wavelength changes as the day goes by because the temperature changes. Lastly, we learned that when there is a lot of dust in the Mars atmosphere, GWs in both He and Ar relate differently to their respective background densities. GWs in He still behave the same way as without dust, but GWs in Ar start acting in a different way. Key Points: Gravity waves in He show nearly opposite local time and seasonal variations compared to those in ArA transition wavelength exists in the amplitude‐wavelength relation, below which GWs in He dominate, and above which GWs in Ar take overThe transition wavelength increases with rising temperatures and consequently shows variations across local times [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust storms expose people suspended particles, microorganisms and potential allergens that have been absorbed by dust particles during airborne transport. The purpose of this study was investigation effect of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) in dust storm on human health. Databases used to for searched were the PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Springer and Science Direct (Scopus). 58 papers based on abstract and article text filtered. In the end after sieve we selected 10 papers. Identify all relevant studies published 1978-2022. The literature showed that green spaces created by city officials in different areas include a set of trees and shrubs in accordance with the effect of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) in dust storm on human health. Based on the result the many studies are conducted every year on the characteristics and different sources of dust, one of the most important of which is the ability of these storms to carry pathogenic microorganisms. the purpose of this study is the effect of bacteria and fungi in dust storms on human health. The findings of this study showed that the evaluation of various studies showed that with the occurrence of dust storms that originate from different sources, in addition to transporting suspended solids, pathogenic bacteria and fungi are also transmitted by dust storms from near and far places and cause various diseases of these include respiratory and pulmonary problems, upper respiratory tract infections, and cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 15.3), frequent sand and dust storms (SDSs) in the spring are a long-term challenge to the prevention and control of land degradation on the Mongolian plateau. In this study, MODIS remote sensing data are used to monitor and analyse SDS events on the Mongolian Plateau. The annual distribution of spring SDSs (March to May) from 2000 to 2021 are obtained based on the dust storm detection index. The overall classification accuracy is 85.24% and the kappa coefficient is 0.7636. Results show a decrease in the overall frequency of SDS events, where storm events in 2000–2010 are significantly higher than those in the second decade. The cross-border regions between China and Mongolia appear to be SDS intensity centers, particularly those in southern Mongolia. Precipitation exhibits a strong negative correlation with the area affected by SDS, and the correlation coefficient is – 0.72. The increase in barren and sand contributes primarily to the increase in SDS, whereas wind prevention and sand control projects undertaken by the Mongolian and Chinese governments promote regional restoration. Policies pertaining to cross-board sandstorm responses on the Mongolian Plateau are recommended.

Background and purpose: According to the World Bank report, air pollution is the fourth leading risk factor for death in the world, and one in ten deaths is attributed to air pollution. Sand and dust storms tend to occur in arid and semi-arid regions, and this phenomenon affects human health, agricultural land, industry, infrastructure and the transportation sector. In this report, the situation of air pollution caused by dust storms was studied storm in the city of Sari in September 2023 Materials and methods: In a descriptive cross -sectional study, the concentration of airborne particles in the city of Sari was measured at7 different points in the city using the Dust Monitor device. The concentration of total suspended particles (TSP), particulate matter less than 10 micrometers (PM10), particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) and particulate matter less than 1 micrometers (PM1) were measured. Results: The results of this study showed that the highest concentrations of TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 were measured at the Baghban clinic station (Tuba) which was equal to 179, 88 and 55 µg/m3 respectively. Also, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Sari city was 149 (unhealthy for sensitive groups) on September 11. Conclusion: The phenomenon of sand and dust storms (SDS) rarely occurs in the northern provinces of Iran, based on reports from abroad and caused by the occurrence of this phenomenon in the Qara-Qom desert in Turkmenistan. Therefore, it is of great importance for Mazandaran province, which is one of the most densely populated regions in the country, to continuously monitor the air quality index and install and equip fixed air pollution monitoring stations.

Background: A dust storm is a critical environmental issue and natural hazard in arid and semiarid regions worldwide. Particulate matters including PM10 and PM2.5 are of the primary air pollutants, which can adversely affect human health. This research aimed to determine the fine dust concentration spatiotemporally and estimate the suspended particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) during 2018-2021 in Ahvaz.Methods: An analytical- descriptive method and the data from synoptic weather stations in the studied area were used in this study. The zoning of dust was done using the kriging method by ArcGIS software.Results: The results indicated that the year 2021 experienced the highest frequency of dusty days, with 54 occurrences, while the year 2019 exhibited the lowest frequency, with only 28 dusty days. Notably, Ahvaz city recorded the highest dust concentration in 2020, reaching an average of 4667 mg/m3. Based on the findings of PM concentration over the four-year period, it is evident that 2021 recorded the highest PM10 concentration (326.14 mg/m3), while 2020 exhibited the highest PM2.5 concentration (148.26 mg/m3).Conclusion: The results revealed that there was an increase in dust concentration in the east and north. This is probably attributed to the proximity to dust centers.

In June 2020, a record-breaking Saharan dust storm, known as the "Godzilla" extreme event, caused significant dust transport from the Sahara Desert across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States. Based on satellite observations, the magnitude of aerosol optical depth (AOD) has consistently remained highest over the Atlantic Ocean for the past 18 years. This study uses satellite observations (including MODIS and CALIOP) and MERRA-2 reanalysis products to investigate the relationships between dust and marine clouds. During this extreme event, the concentration of AOD exhibits a synchronous anomaly with the cloud fraction (CF). Principal components analysis (PCA) results show that the enhanced temperature and specific humidity near the surface contribute the most to cloud development over the tropical Atlantic Ocean. Despite the reduced sensitivity of CF to aerosols, the semi-direct effect of dust can still play a crucial role during this extreme dust storm. We found that the presence of absorbing aerosols above the cloud layers warms the air, accompanied by an enhancement of surface moisture, thereby benefiting low-level cloud coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pristine Himalayan region is often influenced by continental and transboundary intrusions of pollutants over the year. Here, for the first time, systematic high-resolution measurements of PM2.5 are made during March 2018–February 2020 at a high-altitude station Manora Peak, Nainital (29.36 N, 79.46 E, 1950 m amsl) in the Central Himalayan region. The annual mean values of PM2.5 are observed to be 18 ± 17 μg m−3 and 14 ± 11 μg m−3 for 2018 and 2019. Seasonal variability consists of peak levels during summer (26 ± 39, 17 ± 25 μg m−3) and the lowest levels during the monsoon (11 ± 12, 10 ± 10 μg m−3). Convergent cross-mapping analysis between meteorological parameters and PM2.5 identified the wind speed (skill factor "ρ": 0.47), temperature (0.44), and boundary layer height (0.39) as major factors for the frequent poor air quality incidences (88/606 days), exceeding daily limit of 25 μg m−3. Such episodic deterioration of air quality is mainly caused by dust, biomass burning, and daytime enhancements in pollutants during winter. The day-night variation of PM2.5, in conjunction with boundary layer height and zonal/meridional wind cross-section, revealed that distinct transport mechanisms are responsible for pollutants reaching higher altitudes in summer and winter. To decipher the processes, two case studies, each of dust storms (PM2.5: 340 μg m−3) and biomass burning (PM2.5: 110 μg m−3), are presented that highlight the necessity of continuous PM2.5 measurements to be potentially used for regional climate models and pollution mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore a sequence of 13 unique high‐cadence images of a dust storm, from the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM). The Emirates eXploration Imager camera took these images in less than 8 hr on 18 December 2022 (Martian Year 36, solar longitude 356°). Most of these images are separated by a time difference of half an hour. The region of interest extends from Lyot crater to the east. During the morning, the EMM images show lee waves (atmospheric gravity waves). In the late morning, the lee waves rapidly change into clearly distinct dust storm texture/convective features. We track the evolution of both lee waves and a local dust storm between sunrise and mid‐afternoon. Also, we relate our observations to atmospheric dynamics. Our analysis is supported by the Mars Climate Database and radio occultation measurement data. Plain Language Summary: The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) has an on‐board camera, whose images from 18 December 2022 show a dust storm near Lyot crater (a large crater in the northern hemisphere of Mars). An image was taken almost every half an hour. In total, this gave 13 camera images in less than 8 hr. This number of images in such a short time is unique. The images reveal clouds which form straight lines during the morning. Such straight clouds are known as "lee wave clouds." In the late morning, the lee waves disappear quickly and a quite different dust cloud appears. The latter is a dust storm which grows quickly. We follow the lee waves and dust storm from sunrise to mid‐afternoon. Also, we put our observations into the context of physical processes in the Mars atmosphere. Our work is supported by external data and measurements. That is to say data from the Mars Climate Database and radio occultation measurements. Key Points: The Emirates Mars Mission provided thirteen (sub‐)hourly images; they show variations in clouds and atmospheric dust on 18 December 2022The image sequence tracks the evolution of both lee waves and a local dust storm between sunrise and mid‐afternoon, near Lyot CraterWe relate our observations to atmospheric dynamics, supported by the Mars Climate Database and radio occultation measurements [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates a dust storm (DS, on 5th May 2016) over a semi-arid western-Indian region, Ahmedabad using a ground-based Raman Lidar (RL), satellite datasets, and model simulations. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) corrected reflectance images from Terra and Aqua satellites showed a heavy dust layer over the Ahmedabad region transported from the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle East. Horizontal visibility decreased sharply, falling less than 1 km on the DS day. RL is used to monitor the diurnal variation of the dust aerosol layer from the surface to about 3 km during DS. The retrieved aerosol optical depth (AOD) using the RL and MODIS shows high AOD values on the DS day (AOD ~ 2.2 and 0.85) attributed to higher dust loading in comparison to normal days. Results indicate that the ultraviolet aerosol index (UVAI) increased by twice (~ 3) during DS day in comparison with dust-free day (UVAI ~ 1.4). The WRF-Chem model reasonably reproduced the spatial distribution of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations, exhibiting higher concentrations during the DS when compared to ECMWF-CAMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust is an important and complex constituent of the atmospheric system, having significant impacts on the environment, climate, air quality, and human health. Although dust events are common across many regions of the United States, their impacts are not often prioritized in air quality mitigation strategies. We argue that there are at least three factors that result in underestimation of the social and environmental impact of dust events, making them receive less attention. These include (a) sparse monitoring stations with irregular spatial distribution in dust‐influenced regions, (b) inconsistency with dust sampling methods, and (c) sampling frequency and schedules, which can lead to missed dust events or underestimation of dust particle concentrations. Without addressing these three factors, it is challenging to characterize and understand the full air quality impacts of dust events in the United States. This paper highlights the need for additional monitoring to measure these events so that we can more fully evaluate and understand their impacts, as they are predicted to increase with climate change. Plain Language Summary: Dust is an important and complex component of the atmospheric system, having significant impacts on the environment, climate, air quality, and human health. Yet, dust events are underestimated and therefore do not receive the level of attention necessary to fully understand their impacts. This is due in part to the fact that monitoring stations are sparse in dust‐influenced regions; there is a lack of consistency in dust definitions and sampling methods, and there is a lack of continuous monitoring, which results in missed dust events or underestimations of their particle concentration. This commentary highlights the need for additional monitoring designed to measure dust so that we can more fully understand its impacts, which are particularly important as dust is expected to increase with climate change. Key Points: Different factors result in an underestimation of the social and environmental impact of dust events, making them receive less attentionThere is a lack of consistency in dust definitions and sampling methodsSampling frequency and schedules of dust events can lead to missed dust events or underestimation of dust particle concentrations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]