Improving global dust prediction and monitoring through data assimilation of satellite-based dust aerosol optical depth

Objective

DUST-GLASS aims at improving global dust prediction and monitoring by optimizing an advanced data assimilation system (LETKF scheme) coupled with a sophisticated atmospheric-dust model (NMMB/BSC-Dust). For the accomplishment of these core scientific goals, a fine resolution (0.1o x 0.1o) global dust optical depth (DOD) database, suitable for data assimilation, will be developed via a synergy of state-of-the-art Level 2 satellite retrievals acquired by MODIS, MISR and OMI sensors (2007-2016). The impacts of assimilating this novel dataset (DOD) on model’s predictive skills, both at global and regional scale, will be assessed objectively. Global forecasts (5 days) will be carried out for different periods aiming at studying dust aerosols’ mobilization and transport from the major dust sources of the planet, while a global reanalysis (0.5o x 0.7o) dataset will be generated for long-term dust monitoring. In addition, regional short-term (84 hours) forecasts will be conducted for 20 Mediterranean dust outbreaks identified by a satellite algorithm in the framework of the MDRAF project (fellow’s previous MC-IEF). In the evaluation analysis, the model’s dust outputs will be compared versus measurements derived by ground networks (AERONET, MAN, ACTRIS) as well as against columnar/vertical satellite retrievals (MODIS, MISR, CALIOP). Moreover, temperature and radiation will be also considered since “corrections” on dust fields, thanks to data assimilation, are expected to be evident on both parameters due to dust-radiation interactions. The aforementioned variables will be compared against observations obtained by ground networks (ISB, RAOB, BSRN) and reanalysis/analysis products (ERA-Interim, FNL). Considering the multifaceted role of dust, the scientific outcomes of DUST-GLASS are expected to contribute effectively to interdisciplinary studies regarding dust aerosols as well as their associated impacts on health, anthropogenic activities, environment, weather and climate.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › earth and related environmental sciences › atmospheric sciences › meteorology
• natural sciences › physical sciences › astronomy › planetary sciences › planets
• natural sciences › biological sciences › ecology › ecosystems
• natural sciences › earth and related environmental sciences › atmospheric sciences › climatology
• natural sciences › computer and information sciences › computational science › multiphysics

Programme(s)

• H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme
• H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility

Topic(s)

• MSCA-IF-2016 - Individual Fellowships

Call for proposal

H2020-MSCA-IF-2016

See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

Coordinator

ETHNIKO ASTEROSKOPEIO ATHINON

Net EU contribution

€ 164 653,20

Address

Lofos Nymfon
11810 Athina
Greece

Region

Κεντρικός Τομέας Αθηνών › Aττική › Αττική

Activity type

Research Organisations

Links

Other funding

€ 0,00