Abstract
We present a new algorithm suitable for retrieving and monitoring Saharan dusts from satellite ocean-color multi-spectral observations. This algorithm comprises two steps. The first step consists in classifying the TOA spectra using a neuronal classifier, which provides the aerosol type and a first guess value of the aerosol parameters. The second step retrieves accurate aerosol parameters by using a variational optimization method. We have analyzed 13 years of SeaWiFS images (September 1997-December 2009) in an Atlantic Ocean area off the coast of West Africa. As the method takes into account Saharan dusts, the number of pixels processed is an order of magnitude higher than that processed by the standard SeaWiFS algorithm. We note a strong seasonal variability. The Saharan dust concentration is maximal in summer during the rainy season and minimal in autumn when the vegetation bloom due to the rainy season prevents soil erosion by the wind.
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