Erratum to: Investigation of the atmospheric mesoscale circulation patterns and their simulation with WRF-CHEM model of the dust storm occurrence over the southern coast of the Caspian Sea

Abstract

For the very first time, the mesoscale circulation patterns and synoptic-dynamic structure of the atmospheric systems that led to the dust emission to the south coast region of Caspian Sea (SCRCS) were identified and classified using the region synoptic stations’ observations of 2005–2013. Satellite measurements and images, NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data, and Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-CHEM) model products were also used in this study. Results showed that in 49 % of cases, cyclonic circulations over the Middle East deserts were the main transporter of dust particles into the atmosphere where then transferred to the SCRCS by southerly winds over the Alborz mountains in the lower troposphere and by westerly waves in the middle and upper troposphere. During the warm seasons, the surface heating lead to the development of mesoscale thermal low pressures over the hot deserts on the eastern regions of the Caspian Sea, like Turkmenistan and Qura Qum. Those heat lows were responsible for the 38 % of the occurred events. Turbulence and instabilities in the lower troposphere were identified as the second important dust emitter to the atmosphere where those dust particles transported to the SCRCS with the strong northeasterly wind. The third pattern by 13 % of cases was belonging to the mesoscale thermal low pressure that was developed over the arid regions of Iran like Dasht-e-Kavir. Because of the nature of the turbulence in the lower troposphere and heat lows, the ascent of dust particles by these two mechanisms was limited to a shallow layer in the troposphere. The results of simulation with the WRF-CHEM model, analysis of moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) images, and spatial zoning of atmospheric optical depth (AOD) confirmed the results of the synoptic study.