Mineral dust aerosol from Saharan desert by means of atmospheric, emission, dispersion modelling

The application of Numerical Prediction Models to mineral dust cycle is considered of prime importance in climate change due to aerosol and non-CO2 greenhouse gases. In this framework, a comprehensive atmospheric, emission, dispersion modelling system was developed in order to provide a regional characterization of Saharan dust intrusions over Mediterranean basin. The model is based on three different modules: the atmospheric model, the dust emission model and transport/deposition model. Numerical modelling simulations for a selected case study, June 2006, were carried out to test the modelling system. The evaluation of the performed analysis shows a good agreement with the results coming from GOCART model and with the in-situ measurements of some specific crustal markers in the PM10 fraction.