A Global Climatology of Dust Aerosols Based on Satellite Data: Spatial, Seasonal and Inter-Annual Patterns over the Period 2005–2019

A satellite-based algorithm is developed and used to determine the presence of dust aerosols on a global scale. The uses as input aerosol optical properties from MOderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-Aqua Collection 6.1 Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI)-Aura version v003 (OMAER-UV) datasets identifies existence in atmosphere by applying specific thresholds, which ensure coarse size absorptivity aerosols, properties. utilized are multiwavelength depth (AOD), Aerosol Absorption Index (AI) Ångström Exponent (a). operates daily basis at 1° × latitude-longitude spatial resolution for period 2005–2019 computes absolute relative frequency occurrence dust. monthly annual mean frequencies calculated pixel level each year study period, enabling seasonal well inter-annual variation aerosols’ all over globe. Temporal averaging also applied values order estimate 15-year climatological values. Apart temporal, entire globe regions interest, namely great deserts areas desert export. According results, highest (up 160 days/year) primarily observed western part North Africa (Sahara), broader area Bodélé, secondarily Asian Taklamakan (140 days/year). For most regions, maximum appear boreal spring and/or summer minimum ones winter or autumn. clear seasonality revealed, with lowest November–December June. Finally, an increasing trend 2005 2019, equal 56.2%, found. Such except Middle East, where slight decreasing (?2.4%)