Atmospheric Dynamics and Numerical Simulations of Six Frontal Dust Storms in the Middle East Region

This study analyzes six frontal dust storms in the Middle East during cold period (October–March), aiming to examine atmospheric circulation patterns and force dynamics that triggered fronts associated (pre- or post-frontal) storms. Cold troughs mostly located over Turkey, Syria north Iraq played a major role front propagation at surface, while cyclonic conditions strong winds facilitated The presence of an upper-atmosphere (300 hPa) sub-tropical jet stream traversing from Egypt Iran constitutes also dynamic accompanying Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Cloud-Aerosol Lidar Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) observations are used monitor spatial vertical extent storms, model (Weather Research Forecasting coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem), Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service (CAMS), Regional Climate Model-4 (RegCM4)) simulations analyzed. WRF-Chem outputs were better agreement MODIS compared those CAMS RegCM4. identified by via gradients potential temperature sudden changes wind direction cross-sections. Overall, uncertainties remarkable differences between indicate modelling is really challenging due complex terrain, incorrect representation sources soil/surface characteristics, simulating speed/direction meteorological dynamics. Given threat more attention should be directed development this region.