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<p>This study investigates the transboundary dust transport from the Sahara and Arabian Deserts to West Asia during a major event in spring 2015. The analysis integrates satellite observations, ground-based PM₁₀ measurements, and simulations from the WRF-Chem model configured at a 10 × 10&#xa0;km grid resolution. The model was coupled with the Global Ozone Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) dust emission scheme and employed the Four-Dimensional Data Assimilation (FDDA) technique. Model outputs were evaluated against in-situ PM₁₀ observations and satellite-derived aerosol data. Results indicate two distinct dust intrusion episodes: the first, originating from the Arabian Desert, affected northern Iraq and southeastern Türkiye on May 23–24; the second, associated with the Sahara Desert dust, arrived on May 27, merging with the earlier plume by May 28. This convergence led to elevated PM₁₀ concentrations, exceeding a daily mean of 500&#xa0;µg/m³ across parts of West Asia. Aerosol observations confirmed substantial contributions from both desert sources, with Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) values frequently reaching or exceeding 1.0 in several regions. These events were driven by strong Sahara-Arabian heating, which enhanced pressure gradients and generated Shamal winds and easterly surges, promoting dust uplift and long-range transport. Significant spatial variability was observed, from severe air pollution in some areas to minimal impacts elsewhere. During dust events, modeled–observed PM₁₀ correlations ranged 0.14–0.81 with systematic underestimation. These results highlight the need for improved dust emission parameterizations, early warning systems, and high-resolution regional models to better support air quality management and public health planning.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p> <p>This visual summary serves as a key entry point into the research, providing a concise overview of the study’s core findings and methodologies. The study investigates a major transboundary dust event in Spring 2015, during which dust from the Sahara and Arabian Deserts significantly affected air quality across West Asia. Using the WRF-Chem model, satellite data (MODIS, OMI, CALIOP), and ground-based PM₁₀ observations, two major dust intrusions were identified. Model results show Arabian dust reached northern Iraq and southeastern Türkiye by May 23, followed by Saharan dust arriving around May 27. These dust plumes merged, causing PM₁₀ levels to exceed a daily mean of 500&#xa0;µg/m³ in some parts of the study area. The severity of the event varied across regions, influenced by topography, meteorological conditions, and urban exposure. Satellite analyses confirmed the long-range transport of dust from the Sahara and Arabian Deserts into West Asia. Elevated aerosol concentrations were recorded in several North African and West Asian countries, including Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Iran, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Daily observations revealed significant aerosol contributions from both desert regions, with Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) values reaching 1.0 or higher in many areas. This widespread aerosol transport highlights the substantial impact of dust on air quality and atmospheric conditions. The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced regional dust forecasting, early warning systems, and coordinated mitigation strategies such as sustainable land use practices and public health advisories to reduce the environmental and health risks of future dust events.</p>

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Modeling and Analysis of Long-Range Dust Transport from the Sahara and Arabian Deserts To West Asia Using WRF-Chem and Remote Sensing: Insights from the Spring 2015 Dust Event

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月11日

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  • Yusuf Aydin,
  • Goksel Demir,
  • Ali Deniz,
  • Alper Unal,
  • Julian Marshall

摘要

This study investigates the transboundary dust transport from the Sahara and Arabian Deserts to West Asia during a major event in spring 2015. The analysis integrates satellite observations, ground-based PM₁₀ measurements, and simulations from the WRF-Chem model configured at a 10 × 10 km grid resolution. The model was coupled with the Global Ozone Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) dust emission scheme and employed the Four-Dimensional Data Assimilation (FDDA) technique. Model outputs were evaluated against in-situ PM₁₀ observations and satellite-derived aerosol data. Results indicate two distinct dust intrusion episodes: the first, originating from the Arabian Desert, affected northern Iraq and southeastern Türkiye on May 23–24; the second, associated with the Sahara Desert dust, arrived on May 27, merging with the earlier plume by May 28. This convergence led to elevated PM₁₀ concentrations, exceeding a daily mean of 500 µg/m³ across parts of West Asia. Aerosol observations confirmed substantial contributions from both desert sources, with Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) values frequently reaching or exceeding 1.0 in several regions. These events were driven by strong Sahara-Arabian heating, which enhanced pressure gradients and generated Shamal winds and easterly surges, promoting dust uplift and long-range transport. Significant spatial variability was observed, from severe air pollution in some areas to minimal impacts elsewhere. During dust events, modeled–observed PM₁₀ correlations ranged 0.14–0.81 with systematic underestimation. These results highlight the need for improved dust emission parameterizations, early warning systems, and high-resolution regional models to better support air quality management and public health planning.

Graphical Abstract

This visual summary serves as a key entry point into the research, providing a concise overview of the study’s core findings and methodologies. The study investigates a major transboundary dust event in Spring 2015, during which dust from the Sahara and Arabian Deserts significantly affected air quality across West Asia. Using the WRF-Chem model, satellite data (MODIS, OMI, CALIOP), and ground-based PM₁₀ observations, two major dust intrusions were identified. Model results show Arabian dust reached northern Iraq and southeastern Türkiye by May 23, followed by Saharan dust arriving around May 27. These dust plumes merged, causing PM₁₀ levels to exceed a daily mean of 500 µg/m³ in some parts of the study area. The severity of the event varied across regions, influenced by topography, meteorological conditions, and urban exposure. Satellite analyses confirmed the long-range transport of dust from the Sahara and Arabian Deserts into West Asia. Elevated aerosol concentrations were recorded in several North African and West Asian countries, including Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Iran, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Daily observations revealed significant aerosol contributions from both desert regions, with Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) values reaching 1.0 or higher in many areas. This widespread aerosol transport highlights the substantial impact of dust on air quality and atmospheric conditions. The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced regional dust forecasting, early warning systems, and coordinated mitigation strategies such as sustainable land use practices and public health advisories to reduce the environmental and health risks of future dust events.