Abstract
Clear-sky downward and upward radiative flux measurements both in the short- and in the long-wave spectral range have been used to estimate and analyze the radiation changes at the surface due to the mineral dust advection at a Central Mediterranean site. Then, short- and long-wave radiative fluxes retrieved from the CERES (Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System) radiometer sensors operating on board the EOS (Earth Observing System) AQUA and TERRA platforms have been used to evaluate the mineral dust radiative impact at the top of the atmosphere. Satellite-derived radiative fluxes at the surface have been compared with corresponding ground-based flux measurements, collocated in space and time, to better support and understand the desert dust radiative impact. Results referring to the year 2012 are reported.
Highlights
Mineral dust aerosols play an important role in the Earth's radiation budget influencing significantly the climate system through direct and indirect effects
It is worth noting that the Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) mean value increased from 0.20 on dust-free days to 0.28 on dusty days, while the Å mean value decreased from 1.40 on dust-free days to 0.84 on dusty days during the period affected by the desert dust outbreaks (March-September 2012)
Groundbased flux measurements have revealed that the monthly mean value of SW-FDN decreased from 2.2% (April) to 4.2% (May) and the monthly mean value of LW-FDN increased from 2.3% (May) to 6.1% (March) as a consequence of the mineral dust advection
Summary
Mineral dust aerosols play an important role in the Earth's radiation budget influencing significantly the climate system through direct (scattering and absorption of solar and terrestrial radiation) and indirect effects (acting as cloud and ice nuclei of condensation). Mineral aerosols cause the decrease of the incoming short-wave (SW) radiation at the surface (cooling effect) as a consequence of their scattering and absorption properties. They enhance the greenhouse effect in the long-wave (LW) spectral range by trapping the outgoing terrestrial radiation at the surface (warming effect). Mineral dust outbreaks affect the Mediterranean area mostly in summer and contribute to one of the highest radiative effects in the world [1]. The CERES radiometers have allowed estimating directly FUP at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) and through an algorithm FDN and FUP at the surface in the SW (0.3-5 μm) and in the LW (5100 μm) spectral range, respectively
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