Evaluation of new satellite-derived sediment supply maps within the NOAA GEFS-Aerosol FENGSHA dust model (A096).

The life-cycle of atmospheric aerosols is important for human health. Aerosols also have direct and indirect effects on meteorology, atmospheric chemistry and ultimately the global energy budget. Mineral dust is a major contributor to the atmospheric aerosol burden, and some estimates suggest it represents the largest single contributor globally. The modeling of mineral dust is important though complex. As such, a great deal of effort has been made to characterize the source regions and dust mobilization processes. However, current models still show large diversity, and even greater uncertainty, regarding the representation of the dust life-cycle, particularly near sources. Using several different satellite products and algorithms, we have developed multiple sediment supply maps to understand surface emission probability. The FENGSHA dust emission model, currently used within the NOAA National Air Quality Forecast Capability (NAQFC), has been implemented in the NOAA Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS) Aerosol ensemble member to predict dust emissions, globally. FENGSHA uses a soil database, a sediment supply map, geographic properties, and model-derived soil moisture and winds to describe dust mobilization. In this study, we investigate the impact of the different satellite-derived sediment supply maps on dust mobilization and life-cycle within the GEFS-Aerosol FENGSHA model. This work investigates the influence that sediment supply maps have in relation to the evolution of dust both near source and down wind. Comparisons with satellite aerosol optical depth, AERONET and surface monitors will document the impact of different sediment supply map choices on the simulated spatial variability and intensity of mobilized dust.