Mineral dust aerosol from Saharan desert by means of atmospheric, emission, dispersion modelling

Abstract. The application of Numerical Prediction Models to mineral dust cycle is considered of prime importance for the investigation of aerosol and non-CO₂ greenhouse gases contributions in climate variability and change. In this framework, a modelling system was developed in order to provide a regional characterization of Saharan dust intrusions over Mediterranean basin. The model chain is based on three different modules: the atmospheric model, the dust emission model and transport/deposition model. Numerical simulations for a selected case study, June 2006, were performed in order to evaluate the modelling system effectiveness. The comparison of the results obtained in such a case study shows a good agreement with those coming from GOCART model. Moreover a good correspondence was found in the comparison with in-situ measurements regarding some specific crustal markers in the PM₁₀ fraction.