Investigation of an Intense Dust Outbreak in the Mediterranean Using XMed-Dry Network, Multiplatform Observations, and Numerical Modeling

The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with online coupled chemistry (WRF-Chem) is applied to study an intense Saharan dust outbreak event affecting the Italian peninsula in 15 16 April 2018. According MODIS retrievals, this intrusion was characterized by aerosol optical depth (AOD) peak value southern Mediterranean. Measurements within Dry Deposition Network Across Mediterranean (XMed-Dry) are compared output of WRF-Chem model. XMed-Dry samples from Lecce (Italy), Athens (Greece) San Lawrenz/Gozo (Malta) were analysed respect particle size distribution, relative contribution, composition. discrepancy between measured deposition indicate need formulate more sophisticated schemes, will evaluate sensitivity results precise limits chosen for Moreover, satellite retrievals sensors elaborated MAIAC algorithm, Aeronet stations, measurements PM10 at selected sites also considered. In a numerical domain that spans northern desert, two different emission namely Gocart-AFWA Shao-2001, tested multiplatform observations simulation period covering outbreak. Actual both schemes would benefit replacing static erodibility map soil distribution remote sensed in-situ observational data.