Modelling episode of Saharan dust transfer over the Black Sea according to the WRF model and MODIS satellite data

Abstract

A high dust load from the Sahara Desert is recorded annually over the Black Sea region. To make a reliable forecast for the level of dust, many external factors such as the wind energy, the soil content in the moisture are to be considered. The physical characteristics of the aerosol particles in the atmosphere are also very important. This study focuses on the prediction of dust content for the Black Sea region by using the WRFdust model. Prolonged dust transport over the Black Sea was recorded during the period from September 25 to September 30, 2020. On these days, MODIS satellite images, return trajectories of AERONET and optical parameters of the atmosphere were analyzed.