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Atmospheric controls on mineral dust emission from the Bodele depression, Chad: The role of the low level jet

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 17:07 authored by Richard Washington, Martin ToddMartin Todd
Atmospheric aerosols play an important though uncertain role in the Earth's climate system. The Bodele Depression in Chad stands out as the planet's largest source of dust, yet very little is known about the atmospheric circulation that maintain this source. We investigate what key large-scale features of the circulation over the Bodele account for its primacy as a mineral aerosol source. We show, for the first time, the structure and characteristics of the Bodele Low Level Jet (LLJ) which has a maximum speed near 18 degrees N, 19 degrees E at 925 hPa. It is strongest in the northern winter, receding with the advance of summer in phase with dustiness in the Bodele. Variability of dust over the Bodele occurs contemporaneously with the ridging of the Libyan High and pulsing of the pressure gradient which drives the northeasterlies in which the LLJ is embedded.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Geophysical Research Letters

ISSN

0094-8276

Issue

17

Volume

32

Page range

L17701

Department affiliated with

  • Geography Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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