Vertical distribution of Saharan dust using the dust prediction system at Tel Aviv University
Abstract
The three dimensional aerosol distribution is not well known but is required for the better understanding its radiative effects. The database of the 48-hour dust forecasts at the Tel Aviv University prediction system has been adapted for the analysis of dust profiles over North Africa. Results of the daily model predictions are available at the website: http://earth.nasa.proj.ac.il/dust/current/. Vertical distributions of dust concentrations are analyzed over the areas adjacent to the main dust sources in the Sahara desert for all moths of the year. During the spring months (April-May) high dust concentrations values (> 2E-7 kg*m-3) are found near Lake Chad in the lower troposphere from 750 to 900 hPa, with the peak values near 850 hPa. During summer (June-August) the major dust maximum is found shifted from the Lake Chad basin to the west part of the Sahara desert. In July, the high dust concentrations over the Mali dust source are at the pressure layer from 600 to 900 hPa, with peak values at 800-850 hPa. These found results are compared with other available observations and also with indirect measures based on ECMWF reanalysis temperature increments.
- Publication:
-
EGS - AGU - EUG Joint Assembly
- Pub Date:
- April 2003
- Bibcode:
- 2003EAEJA.....8693A