Aerosol Optical Properties during Major Dust Outbreaks in the Caribbean Region

Every summer, mineral dust particles are carried by wind from the desert in Africa, across the Atlantic, and to the Caribbean region. African dust has a large impact on the Caribbean's air quality. From June to July 2020, the Caribbean Air-quality aLert and Management Assistance System - Public Health (CALIMA-PH) campaign took place in the Greater Caribbean Basin. Dust aerosol optical properties were monitored at the Cape San Juan (CSJ) atmospheric observatory in Puerto Rico. At least six African dust events were monitored at CSJ, this includes the so called "Godzilla" event, during June 21-25, which was remarkable in terms of its magnitude and extent. This study involves the comparison of major dust outbreaks during the CALIMA-PH campaign with previous significant dust events received at the site in the last 15 years. We will show how the Godzilla event as well as other large dust events observed have had a significant impact on air quality in the Caribbean and are an important input to the health impact study and air quality management during major dust outbreaks.