Dried bottom of Urmia Lake as a new source of dust in the northwestern Iran: Understanding the impacts on local and regional air quality

Urmia Lake, the largest inland lake in Iran has lost most of its water surface area last 2 decades. The desertification caused by drying this unique may lead to dust storms from lakebed and affect air quality region. In study, MODIS derived Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) data observed between 2000 2019, Ultra Violet Index (UVAI) Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), meteorological MERRA-2 ground-level PM10 measured northwestern eastern Turkey were used investigate effects Lake on local regional aerosol pollution. results revealed significant increase pollution over 10 years. An inverse relationship was level fluctuations Iran. total, 177 days (27 period 2000–2009 150 2010–2019) with mean daily AOD values equal or greater than 1 box covering Basin (ULB). During 2000–2009, when 0.25, be 4000 km2. When dried up faster during 2010–2019 (the 2100 km2), increased 0.42. part more polluted western due extent salinization prevailing wind direction west east. indicated similar trends concentration but classification based speed rejected influence except special conditions. These conditions occur a low-pressure system central Iraq high-pressure located northerly region, mainly Caucasian, form channel. addition Iraq, Syria, Arabian Desert emission sources, contributes as new source close regions.