Climatology and circulation classification of Saharan dust over Bulgaria
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world, which produces more aeolian soil dust than any other world desert. Saharan dust has an important impact on climate, biogeochemical and hydrological processes. Also Saharan dust has a strong impact on air quality and affects human health. As a result, it is important to monitor the frequency and the trajectory of dust storms. In this work objective circulation classification is combined with the Dust product of the Meteosat Second Generation satellites and synoptic charts to produce quantitative analysis of the days with transport of Saharan dust to Bulgaria for the period 2011-2020. For the 10-year period, there are a total of 365 days with the transport of Saharan dust over Bulgaria, with the number of days per year being between 16 and 53. The monthly climatology shows that the month with the largest number of days is March. The rarest transport of Saharan dust over Bulgaria is observed during the summer months. An objective classification of the atmospheric circulation on days with Saharan dust transport to Bulgaria is made for the period 2011-2019. Two objective circulation classifications - GrossWetter Types and Jenkinson-Collison Type with 26 types were used. The main circulation types with transport of African dust are associated with the development of Mediterranean cyclones and transport of air masses from the south-southwest. A case study of transport of Saharan dust to Bulgaria was made for the period from 25 to 27 March 2020. The specific synoptic conditions that lead to the transport of Saharan dust are discussed.
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,690
OpenAlex ID: W4405757273