Long-Term Evaluation of Aerosol Optical Properties in the Levantine Region: A Comparative Analysis of AERONET and Aqua/MODIS

Abstract

The focus on aerosol analysis in the Levantine Region is driven by climate-change impacts, the region’s increasing urban development and industrial activities, and its geographical proximity to major dust-source areas. This study conducts a comparative analysis of aerosol optical depth data from Aqua/MODIS and AERONET during different periods between 2003 and 2023 at four stations: IMS-METU-ERDEMLI (Mersin/Türkiye) (2004–2019), CUT-TEPAK (Limassol/Cyprus) (2010–2023), Cairo_EMA_2 (Cairo/Egypt) (2010–2023), and SEDE_BOKER (Sede Boker/Israel) (2003–2023). The objective is to evaluate the variability and reliability of AOD measurements between satellite and ground-based observations and to determine how well they represent regional climatology. The highest percentage of measurements within the expected error envelope was observed at the IMS-METU-ERDEMLI station, indicating the best agreement between MODIS and AERONET data at this location. The Seasonal-Trend Decomposition using Loess (STL) method revealed consistent spring and summer peaks influenced by dust transport from the Sahara and the Middle East, with lower values in winter. The study also considers the influence of cloud fraction on MODIS measurements and includes aerosol classification. A statistically significant slight positive trend in AOD values was identified at the IMS-METU-ERDEMLI station. Conversely, no significant trends were detected at the other stations. The results of this study agree with those of previous research on the impact of long-range dust transport on regional aerosol loadings, emphasizing the importance of integrating satellite and ground-based observations.