Modeling precipitation scavenging process along Libyan Coast during an extreme Saharan dust outbreak. Issue 8 (22nd June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Douaiba, Benaouda; Eddenjal, Ali; Hamel, Mohammed; Khorsi, Azzeddine
• Is Part Of: Aerosol science and technology. Volume 56:Issue 8(2022)
• Page Start: 711
• Page End: 731
• Publication Date: 2022-06-22
• Subjects: Nicole Riemer; Aerosols -- Periodicals; Aerosol Propellants -- Periodicals; Aerosols -- Periodicals; 660.294515
• DOI: 10.1080/02786826.2022.2074289
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0278-6826

Abstract

Abstract: The principal objective of this article is to calculate rate of below-cloud scavenging of dust by rain along the Libyan coastline during an extraordinary dust storm that occurred early in March, 2004. A numerical investigation of wet deposition of four dust particles including clay, small silt, large silt and sand was performed using a regional meteorological model (Eta) coupled with the module describing desert dust cycle. For correct estimation of below-cloud wet deposition, explicit information about cloud and precipitation water at all model levels was used. An amount of 1764 mgr/m 2, which was simulated at El Khoms, Ajdabia and Benina stations, was the maximum calculated rate of clay in the study area. An amount estimated at 7848 mgr/m 2 of small silt particles and 3058 mgr/m 2 of large silt particles were found in Masrata region. Compared to other sediment types, deposited silts were found to be much bigger across the affected regions during the studied event, with small silt quantities being the highest. The sand component seems to be the least deposited aerosol through the entire studied region. The highest quantity of 1187 mgr/m 2 of sand materials was simulated in Zawara and Azzawia regions. The obtained results show that Libyan coastal areas have considerable dust wet deposition during the study period; however, the concentration rates are highly variable in space. Copyright © 2022 American Association for Aerosol Research