cavazos_todd_Adv_met_2012.pdf (8.69 MB)
Model simulations of complex dust emissions over the Sahara during the West African monsoon onset
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 12:51 authored by Carolina Cavazos Guerra, Martin ToddMartin ToddThe existing limitations in ground-based observations in remote areas in West Africa determine the dependence on numerical models to represent the atmospheric mechanisms that contribute to dust outbreaks at different space-time scales. In this work, the ability of the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with the Chemistry (WRF-Chem) model using the GOCART dust scheme is evaluated. The period comprises the West African Monsoon onset phase (the 7th to 12th of June, 2006) coinciding with the AMMA Special Observing Period (SOP). Different features in the horizontal and vertical dynamical structure of the Saharan atmosphere are analyzed with a combination of satellite and ground-based observations and model experimentation at 10 and 30?km model resolution. The main features of key Saharan dust processes during summer are identifiable, and WRF-CHEM replicates these adequately. Observations and model analyses have shown that cold pools (haboobs) contributed a substantial proportion of total dust during the study period. The comparative analysis between observations and WRF-Chem simulations demonstrates the model efficiency to simulate the spatial and 3D structure of dust transport over the Sahara and Sahel. There is, therefore, a strong basis for accurate forecasting of dust events associated with synoptic scale events when model dust emission parameterization is suitably calibrated.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Advances in MeteorologyISSN
1687-9317Publisher
Hindawi Publishing CorporationPublisher URL
External DOI
Issue
351731Volume
2012Page range
1-17Department affiliated with
- Geography Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2012-11-01First Open Access (FOA) Date
2019-08-05First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2019-08-05Usage metrics
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