Saharan Dust Plume Research Articles

Distinguishing Saharan Dust Plume Sources in the Tropical Atlantic Using Elemental Indicators

Distinguishing Saharan Dust Plume Sources in the Tropical Atlantic Using Elemental Indicators

Influence of Internal Climate System Forcing on the Relationship Between North Atlantic Tropical Cyclones and Saharan Dust

AbstractThis study explores the role of internal climate system forcing in the relationship between dust and tropical cyclones (TCs). Here internal climate system forcing includes the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), Atlantic Meridional Mode (AMM), Sahel rainfall, North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The dust‐TC relationship is evaluated through statistical analyses of 42‐year (1980–2021) reanalysis and observation data sets for TCs and the Saharan dust plume over the North Atlantic. In August, the negative correlation between dust and TCs in the region east of the Florida Peninsula and north of the Caribbean Sea is inhibited by AMO, AMM, and ENSO and promoted by NAO. In September, the positive correlation between dust and TCs in the eastern US and its adjacent ocean is inhibited by Sahel rainfall and promoted by AMO, AMM, and ENSO. In October, the positive correlation between dust and TCs in the southeastern US is promoted by Sahel rainfall and inhibited by AMO, AMM, and ENSO. The leading climate mode influence on the dust‐TC relationship comes from AMO in August and September, and ENSO in October. The dust‐TC relationship in September and October indicates an increase in TC landfalls over the continental US accompanied by a strengthened Saharan dust plume, which further affects the hydrology of the continental US on an interdecadal timescale by reducing land moisture in September and increasing it in October, as determined by the location of TC landfalls, topography, and the impact of climate mode.

Microbial composition of Saharan dust plumes deposited as red rain in Granada (Southern Spain)

During durst storms, also biological material is transported from arid areas such as the Sahara Desert. In the present work, rain samples containing significant amounts of mineral dust have been collected in Granada during different red rain episodes. Biological features (bacteria, biofilm, pollen grain and fungal spore) as well as size-particle distribution and mineralogical composition were studied by SEM. Nanobacteria were observed for the first time in red rain samples. A preliminary metabarcoding analysis was performed on three red rain samples. Here, Bacillota made up 18 % and Pseudomonadota 23 % of the whole prokaryotic community. The fungal community was characterized by a high abundance of Ascomycota and, dependent on the origin, the presence of Chytridiomycota. By means of 16S rRNA sequencing, 18 cultivable microorganisms were identified. In general, members of the phyla Pseudomonadota and Bacillota made up the majority of taxa. Some species, such as Peribacillus frigoritolerans and Bacillus halotolerans were isolated during three different red rain episodes. Generally, red rain carries a wide variety of microorganisms, being their ecosystem and health effects largely unknown.

Formation and Transport of a Saharan Dust Plume in Early Summer

This research studies the capability of the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with the Chemistry/Aerosol module (WRF-Chem) with and without parametrization to reproduce a dust storm, which was held on 27th June 2018 over Sahara region. The authors use satellite observations and ground-based measurements to evaluate the WRF-Chem simulations. The sensitivities of WRF-Chem Model are tested on the replication of haboob features with a tuned GOCART aerosol module. Comparisons of simulations with satellite and ground-based observations show that WRF-Chem is able to reproduce the Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) distribution and associated changes of haboob in the meteorological fields with temperature drops of about 9 °C and wind gust 20 m·s–1. The WRF-Chem Convection-permitting model (CPM) shows strong 10-meter winds induced a large dust emission along the leading edge of a convective cold pool (LECCP). The CPM indicates heavy dust transported over the West African coast (16°W-10°W; 6°N-21°N) which has a potential for long-distance travel on 27th June between 1100 UTC and 1500 UTC. The daily precipitation is improved in the CPM with a spatial distribution similar to the GPM-IMERG precipitation and maximum rainfall located at the right place. As well as raising a large amount of dust, the haboob caused considerable damage along its route.

Impact of Saharan dust on landfalling North Atlantic tropical cyclones over North America in September

Using reanalysis data and model simulations, this study reveals an increase in September landfalling North Atlantic tropical cyclones (TCs) during years that have a strengthened Saharan dust plume, and the related physical processes are investigated by analyzing the relationship of dust aerosol optical depth with TC track, intensity, and the related meteorological environment. Suppression of the sea surface temperature (SST) by the Saharan dust plume can hinder TC tracks over the central tropical North Atlantic, inducing westward development of TC tracks to the western tropical North Atlantic with higher SST, which is more conducive to TCs forming major hurricanes. This physical process increases TC landfalls in North America, especially major hurricane landfalls in the continental United States, leading to greater potential destructiveness.摘要本项研究利用再分析数据和模式模拟数据分析了沙尘的气溶胶光学厚度与台风的登陆, 轨迹, 强度及相关气象环境参数的关系, 揭示了9月北大西洋台风的登陆次数会在撒哈拉沙尘较强的年份中增加, 以及这一现象的物理机制. 撒哈拉沙尘对热带北大西洋中部海表温度具有抑制作用, 会阻碍该地区的台风活动, 因此台风只能向西移动进入海表温度较高的热带北大西洋西部, 从而更易于形成强台风. 这一物理过程将导致台风登陆北美大陆的频次增加, 特别是强台风登陆美国的可能性增强, 产生更大的潜在破坏性.

Wintertime Saharan dust transport towards the Caribbean: an airborne lidar case study during EUREC<sup>4</sup>A

Abstract. Wintertime Saharan dust plumes in the vicinity of Barbados are investigated by means of airborne lidar measurements. The measurements were conducted in the framework of the EUREC4A (Elucidating the Role of Cloud-Circulation Coupling in Climate) field experiment upstream the Caribbean island in January–February 2020. The combination of the water vapor differential absorption and high spectral resolution lidar techniques together with dropsonde measurements aboard the German HALO (High Altitude and Long-Range) research aircraft enable a detailed vertical and horizontal characterization of the measured dust plumes. In contrast to summertime dust transport, mineral dust aerosols were transported at lower altitudes and were always located below 3.5 km. Calculated backward trajectories affirm that the dust-laden layers have been transported in nearly constant low-level altitude over the North Atlantic Ocean. Only mixtures of dust particles with other aerosol species, i.e., biomass-burning aerosol from fires in West Africa and marine aerosol, were detected by the lidar. No pure mineral dust regimes were observed. Additionally, all the dust-laden air masses that were observed during EUREC4A came along with enhanced water vapor concentrations compared with the free atmosphere above. Such enhancements have already been observed during summertime and were found to have a great impact on radiative transfer and atmospheric stability.

Comparison of Scanning LiDAR with Other Remote Sensing Measurements and Transport Model Predictions for a Saharan Dust Case

The evolution and the properties of a Saharan dust plume were studied near the city of Karlsruhe in southwest Germany (8.4298°E, 49.0953°N) from 7 to 9 April 2018, combining a scanning LiDAR (90°, 30°), a vertically pointing LiDAR (90°), a sun photometer, and the transport model ICON-ART. Based on this Saharan dust case, we discuss the advantages of a scanning aerosol LiDAR and validate a method to determine LiDAR ratios independently. The LiDAR measurements at 355 nm showed that the dust particles had backscatter coefficients of 0.86 ± 0.14 Mm−1 sr−1, extinction coefficients of 40 ± 0.8 Mm−1, a LiDAR ratio of 46 ± 5 sr, and a linear particle depolarisation ratio of 0.27 ± 0.023. These values are in good agreement with those obtained in previous studies of Saharan dust plumes in Western Europe. Compared to the remote sensing measurements, the transport model predicted the plume arrival time, its layer height, and its structure quite well. The comparison of dust plume backscatter values from the ICON-ART model and observations for two days showed a correlation with a slope of 0.9 ± 0.1 at 355 nm. This work will be useful for future studies to characterise aerosol particles employing scanning LiDARs.

Investigating the impact of Saharan dust aerosols on analyses and forecasts of African easterly waves by constraining aerosol effects in radiance data assimilation

Abstract. This study incorporates aerosol effects into satellite radiance calculations within the Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) to investigate its impact on the analyses and forecasts of African easterly waves (AEWs). Analysis fields from the aerosol-aware assimilation experiment were compared to an aerosol-blind control during August 2017. The results showed that the aerosol-aware assimilation warmed the Saharan boundary layer, accelerated the African easterly jet, and modified the time-averaged AEWs by enhancing the northern track and reducing the southern track. The changes to the tracks are qualitatively consistent with arguments of baroclinic and barotropic instability. During the time period, we also examined two AEWs that developed hurricanes Gert and Harvey over the Atlantic but were structurally different over Africa; the AEW for Gert consisted of a southern vortex, while the AEW for Harvey consisted of a northern and southern vortex. Analysis differences of the cases showed stronger vorticity changes for the AEW that developed Harvey, which we attribute to the aerosol-aware assimilation capturing the radiative effects of a large-scale Saharan dust plume interacting with the northern vortex of the wave. Subsequent forecasts for the AEW cases using the Global Forecast System (GFS, v14) showed that the aerosol-aware assimilation reduced errors in the downstream vorticity structure for the AEW that developed Harvey; neutral improvement was found for the AEW that developed Gert. Thus, aerosol-affected radiances in the assimilation system have the ability to account for dust radiative effects on the analyzed AEWs, which, in turn, can improve the forecasting of AEWs downstream.

Tropical Atlantic dust and the zonal circulation

This study examines the factors driving the variability of Saharan dust over the subtropical Atlantic during summer. Monthly tropospheric dust concentrations from satellite-based model assimilation averaged in the area 10–23 N, 30–65 W, are used to create an index over the period 1980–2017. The seasonal cycle peaks in summer and affects tropical cyclones from July to September. Point-to-field regression analysis is performed, and then composites of dusty and clean seasons are analyzed as maps and sections of meteorological fields. The regression reveals significant differences in oceanic trade winds, (detrended) sea surface temperature, and atmospheric convection. Dusty minus clean composites show a zonal overturning circulation with sinking/rising motions over Africa/western Caribbean and lower easterlies/upper westerlies over the subtropical Atlantic. This circulation spreads Saharan dust and warm dry air in the 1–4 km layer westward at ~ 10 m/s over cooler waters, inhibiting convection. Among the factors driving tropospheric dust variability is the Pacific El Nino Southern Oscillation. Composites of dusty and clean hurricane occurrence show a threefold difference in numbers and a tenfold difference in mean power dissipation index. Analysis of a dust event in August 2009 illustrates how wind shear and cool SST conspire to suppress tropical easterly waves. Supplementary work characterizes the dispersion of a dense Saharan dust plume in June 2020.

Tropical Rains Controlling Deposition of Saharan Dust Across the North Atlantic Ocean

AbstractMineral dust plays an important role in the atmospheric radiation budget as well as in the ocean carbon cycle through fertilization and by ballasting of settling organic matter. However, observational records of open‐ocean dust deposition are sparse. Here, we present the spatial and temporal evolution of Saharan dust deposition over 2 years from marine sediment traps across the North Atlantic, directly below the core of the Saharan dust plume, with highest dust fluxes observed in summer. We combined the observed deposition fluxes with model simulations and satellite observations and argue that dust deposition in the Atlantic is predominantly controlled by summer rains. The dominant depositional pathway changes from wet deposition in summer to dry deposition in winter. Wet deposition has previously been suggested to increase the release of dust‐derived nutrients and their bioavailability, which may be a key contributor to surface‐ocean productivity in remote and oligotrophic parts of the oceans.

Impact of Traffic Flows and Meteorological Events on the Hourly Elemental Composition of Fine and Coarse Particles at an Urban Site

ABSTRACT Hourly PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 samples were collected with a Streaker sampler over one week at an urban site located on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. The samples were subsequently analysed using the PIXE technique to determine their elemental composition. Despite the influence of traffic at the site, the atmospheric concentrations of the traffic-related components fell within the lower range of values reported for urban stations with similar characteristics. The concentrations of the elemental tracers for non-exhaust emissions (Cu, Zn, Mn, Al, Ca and Fe) in the PM2.5-10 fraction displayed the strongest correlations with the traffic density (R2 > 0.5), with lower correlation coefficients calculated for the fine fraction. A short Saharan dust episode identified during the study period increased the concentrations of the crustal elements (Al, Ca, K, Ti, Sr and Fe), mainly in the coarse fraction. Nevertheless, the concentrations of the sea-spray elements exhibited higher relative increases, indicating that the Saharan dust plume reached the sampling site following a marine path. The high temporal resolution of the PM sampling allowed us to identify the effects of a brief but intense precipitation event, during which a higher atmospheric removal efficiency, peaking at the rate of 17 L m–2 in one hour, was observed for coarse particles than fine particles. As a result of this precipitation, most of the measured elemental concentrations in the PM2.5-10 fraction decreased below detection limits.

Processes affecting dissolved iron across the Subtropical North Atlantic: a model study

Trace metal measurements in recent years have revealed a complex distribution of dissolved iron (dFe) in the ocean that models still struggle to reproduce. The GEOTRACES section GA03 across the subtropical North Atlantic was chosen to study the driving processes involved in the Fe cycle in the region. Here, field observations found elevated dFe near the surface under the Saharan dust plume, a strong dFe minimum below the mixed layer depth, a maximum at the oxygen minimum zone near the African shelf, a hydrothermal maximum near the Mid Atlantic Ridge and lower dFe values in the deep eastern basin than in the west. We show that several of these features can be understood and be reproduced in models when they take into account scavenging on dust particles and phytoplankton, a variable ligand concentration and a hydrothermal dFe source. By doing so in a sequence of parameterisation changes, we are able to relate physical and biological processes, as well as internal and external dFe sources to observed features of the dFe distribution. In agreement with the observations, the additional scavenging on dust generates lower dFe concentrations in the deep eastern basin while the new ligand distribution results in a dFe maximum in the intermediate waters in the east basin and moderates the deep dFe gradient between the eastern and western basins.

VIIRS Deep Blue Aerosol Products Over Land: Extending the EOS Long‐Term Aerosol Data Records

AbstractA primary goal of the Deep Blue (DB) project is to create consistent long‐term aerosol data records, suitable for climate studies, using multiple satellite instruments. In order to continue Earth Observing System (EOS)‐era aerosol products into the Joint Polar Satellite System era, we have successfully ported the DB algorithm to process data from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS). Although the basic structure of the VIIRS algorithm is similar to that for the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), many enhancements have been made compared to the MODIS collection 6 (C6) version. Most have also been implemented in the latest MODIS Collection 6.1 (C6.1). For example, a new smoke mask was developed based on the spectral curvature of measured reflectance to distinguish biomass burning smoke from weakly absorbing urban/industrial aerosols. Consequently, a new aerosol‐type flag was added into the VIIRS DB data set. In addition, new dust models have been developed to account for the nonsphericity of mineral dust. As a result, a discontinuity in the retrieved aerosol optical depth (AOD) of Saharan dust plumes seen in MODIS C6 products near the boundary between North Africa and the Atlantic has been much reduced. We have also evaluated the VIIRS and MODIS Terra/Aqua C6.1 AOD against Aerosol Robotic Network data. VIIRS and MODIS retrievals show similar performance; around 80% of matchups agree with Aerosol Robotic Network within the expected error of ±(0.05 + 20)%, indicating that DB can provide consistent AOD through the historical EOS and present Joint Polar Satellite System eras.

Limited impact of eolian and riverine sources on the biogeochemical cycling of Cd in the tropical Atlantic

We present coupled cadmium (Cd) concentrations and Cd isotopic compositions (expressed as δ114Cd) in seawater profiles along the northeast-southwest GEOTRACES GA11 section in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. The GA11 section encompasses three contrasting regions including the Amazon River plume, the North African dust plume, and the Guinea Dome oxygen deficient zone (ODZ). Given the long oceanic residence time of Cd (104 to 105 yr), local inputs such as atmospheric and riverine sources are generally considered to be of little importance for the open ocean Cd budget, and the limited Cd isotope dataset available thus far has prevented any unambiguous conclusions on the importance of these processes. The GA11 section is ideally located for assessing the influence of external, natural and anthropogenic riverine and eolian inputs, as well as internal processes, on the Cd mass balance in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. As in previous Cd isotope studies, this dataset documents that both surface consumption–regeneration of micronutrients within the water column and deep water mass mixing exert the prime control on the cycling of Cd. However, we do observe some near-surface samples with lower-than-expected δ114Cd signatures along the western section of the transect. Surface waters sampled at the margin of the Amazon freshwater plume show no resolvable difference in [Cd] and δ114Cd compared to waters outside of the plume, suggesting that the Amazon River is not an important source of Cd to the open ocean. Although the eastern GA11 transect is directly downwind of the Saharan dust plume, atmospheric Cd deposition accounts for <1% of the inferred upwelling flux, indicating that atmospheric inputs to the surface North Atlantic Ocean, even within the main Saharan dust plume, only have a relatively minor influence on the Cd budget. In the subsurface tropical Atlantic (100–200 m water depth), there is a clear deviation from a tight linear Cd-PO4 correlation toward lower Cd concentrations for a given PO4 concentration. Our new Cd data show that this Cd-PO4 decoupling is likely a feature of the entire tropical Atlantic and may possibly reflect PO4 enrichment via preferential re-mineralization of organically-bound phosphorus. Alternatively, the decoupling may arise from subsurface Cd depletion caused by precipitation of Cd sulphide within sinking organic particulate microenvironments, as has been suggested in recent studies.This article is part of a special issue entitled: “Cycles of trace elements and isotopes in the ocean – GEOTRACES and beyond” - edited by Tim M. Conway, Tristan Horner, Yves Plancherel, and Aridane G. González.

Long-term study on coarse mode aerosols in the Amazon rain forest with the frequent intrusion of Saharan dust plumes

Abstract. In the Amazonian atmosphere, the aerosol coarse mode comprises a complex, diverse, and variable mixture of bioaerosols emitted from the rain forest ecosystem, long-range transported Saharan dust (we use Sahara as shorthand for the dust source regions in Africa north of the Equator), marine aerosols from the Atlantic Ocean, and coarse smoke particles from deforestation fires. For the rain forest, the coarse mode particles are of significance with respect to biogeochemical and hydrological cycling, as well as ecology and biogeography. However, knowledge on the physicochemical and biological properties as well as the ecological role of the Amazonian coarse mode is still sparse. This study presents results from multi-year coarse mode measurements at the remote Amazon Tall Tower Observatory (ATTO) site. It combines online aerosol observations, selected remote sensing and modeling results, as well as dedicated coarse mode sampling and analysis. The focal points of this study are a systematic characterization of aerosol coarse mode abundance and properties in the Amazonian atmosphere as well as a detailed analysis of the frequent, pulse-wise intrusion of African long-range transport (LRT) aerosols (comprising Saharan dust and African biomass burning smoke) into the Amazon Basin.We find that, on a multi-year time scale, the Amazonian coarse mode maintains remarkably constant concentration levels (with 0.4 cm−3 and 4.0 µg m−3 in the wet vs. 1.2 cm−3 and 6.5 µg m−3 in the dry season) with rather weak seasonality (in terms of abundance and size spectrum), which is in stark contrast to the pronounced biomass burning-driven seasonality of the submicron aerosol population and related parameters. For most of the time, bioaerosol particles from the forest biome account for a major fraction of the coarse mode background population. However, from December to April there are episodic intrusions of African LRT aerosols, comprising Saharan dust, sea salt particles from the transatlantic passage, and African biomass burning smoke. Remarkably, during the core period of this LRT season (i.e., February–March), the presence of LRT influence, occurring as a sequence of pulse-like plumes, appears to be the norm rather than an exception. The LRT pulses increase the coarse mode concentrations drastically (up to 100 µg m−3) and alter the coarse mode composition as well as its size spectrum. Efficient transport of the LRT plumes into the Amazon Basin takes place in response to specific mesoscale circulation patterns in combination with the episodic absence of rain-related aerosol scavenging en route. Based on a modeling study, we estimated a dust deposition flux of 5–10 kg ha−1 a−1 in the region of the ATTO site. Furthermore, a chemical analysis quantified the substantial increase of crustal and sea salt elements under LRT conditions in comparison to the background coarse mode composition. With these results, we estimated the deposition fluxes of various elements that are considered as nutrients for the rain forest ecosystem. These estimates range from few g ha−1 a−1 up to several hundreds of g ha−1 a−1 in the ATTO region.The long-term data presented here provide a statistically solid basis for future studies of the manifold aspects of the dynamic coarse mode aerosol cycling in the Amazon. Thus, it may help to understand its biogeochemical relevance in this ecosystem as well as to evaluate to what extent anthropogenic influences have altered the coarse mode cycling already.

Ship-borne aerosol profiling with lidar over the Atlantic Ocean: from pure marine conditions to complex dust–smoke mixtures

Abstract. The multi-wavelength Raman lidar PollyXT has been regularly operated aboard the research vessel Polarstern on expeditions across the Atlantic Ocean from north to south and vice versa. The lidar measurements of the RV Polarstern cruises PS95 from Bremerhaven, Germany, to Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (November 2015), and PS98 from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Bremerhaven, Germany (April/May 2016), are presented and analysed in detail. The latest set-up of PollyXT allows improved coverage of the marine boundary layer (MBL) due to an additional near-range receiver. Three case studies provide an overview of the aerosol detected over the Atlantic Ocean. In the first case, marine conditions were observed near South Africa on the autumn cruise PS95. Values of optical properties (depolarisation ratios close to zero, lidar ratios of 23 sr at 355 and 532 nm) within the MBL indicate pure marine aerosol. A layer of dried marine aerosol, indicated by an increase of the particle depolarisation ratio to about 10 % at 355 nm (9 % at 532 nm) and thus confirming the non-sphericity of these particles, could be detected on top of the MBL. On the same cruise, an almost pure Saharan dust plume was observed near the Canary Islands, presented in the second case. The third case deals with several layers of Saharan dust partly mixed with biomass-burning smoke measured on PS98 near the Cabo Verde islands. While the MBL was partly mixed with dust in the pure Saharan dust case, an almost marine MBL was observed in the third case. A statistical analysis showed latitudinal differences in the optical properties within the MBL, caused by the down-mixing of dust in the tropics and anthropogenic influences in the northern latitudes, whereas the optical properties of the MBL in the Southern Hemisphere correlate with typical marine values. The particle depolarisation ratio of dried marine layers ranged between 4 and 9 % at 532 nm. Night measurements from PS95 and PS98 were used to illustrate the potential of aerosol classification using lidar ratio, particle depolarisation ratio at 355 and 532 nm, and Ångström exponent. Lidar ratio and particle depolarisation ratio have been found to be the main indicator for particle type, whereas the Ångström exponent is rather variable.

Saharan dust plume charging observed over the UK

A plume of Saharan dust and Iberian smoke was carried across the southern UK on 16th October 2017, entrained into an Atlantic cyclone which had originated as Hurricane Ophelia. The dust plume aloft was widely noticed as it was sufficiently dense to redden the visual appearance of the sun. Time series of backscatter from ceilometers at Reading and Chilbolton show two plumes: one carried upwards to 2.5 km, and another below 800 m into the boundary layer, with a clear slot between. Steady descent of particles at about 50 cm s−1 continued throughout the morning, and coarse mode particles reached the surface. Plumes containing dust are frequently observed to be strongly charged, often through frictional effects. This plume passed over atmospheric electric field sensors at Bristol, Chilbolton and Reading. Consistent measurements at these three sites indicated negative plume charge. The lower edge plume charge density was (−8.0 ± 3.3) nC m−2, which is several times greater than that typical for stratiform water clouds, implying an active in situ charge generation mechanism such as turbulent triboelectrification. A meteorological radiosonde measuring temperature and humidity was launched into the plume at 1412 UTC, specially instrumented with charge and turbulence sensors. This detected charge in the boundary layer and in the upper plume region, and strong turbulent mixing was observed throughout the atmosphere’s lowest 4 km. The clear slot region, through which particles sedimented, was anomalously dry compared with modelled values, with water clouds forming intermittently in the air beneath. Electrical aspects of dust should be included in numerical models, particularly the charge-related effects on cloud microphysical properties, to accurately represent particle behaviour and transport.

Triple-wavelength depolarization-ratio profiling of Saharan dust over Barbados during SALTRACE in 2013 and 2014

Abstract. Triple-wavelength polarization lidar measurements in Saharan dust layers were performed at Barbados (13.1° N, 59.6° W), 5000–8000 km west of the Saharan dust sources, in the framework of the Saharan Aerosol Long-range Transport and Aerosol-Cloud-Interaction Experiment (SALTRACE-1, June–July 2013, SALTRACE-3, June–July 2014). Three case studies are discussed. High quality was achieved by comparing the dust linear depolarization ratio profiles measured at 355, 532, and 1064 nm with respective dual-wavelength (355, 532 nm) depolarization ratio profiles measured with a reference lidar. A unique case of long-range transported dust over more than 12 000 km is presented. Saharan dust plumes crossing Barbados were measured with an airborne triple-wavelength polarization lidar over Missouri in the midwestern United States 7 days later. Similar dust optical properties and depolarization features were observed over both sites indicating almost unchanged dust properties within this 1 week of travel from the Caribbean to the United States. The main results of the triple-wavelength polarization lidar observations in the Caribbean in the summer seasons of 2013 and 2014 are summarized. On average, the particle linear depolarization ratios for aged Saharan dust were found to be 0.252 ± 0.030 at 355 nm, 0.280 ± 0.020 at 532 nm, and 0.225 ± 0.022 at 1064 nm after approximately 1 week of transport over the tropical Atlantic. Based on published simulation studies we present an attempt to explain the spectral features of the depolarization ratio of irregularly shaped mineral dust particles, and conclude that most of the irregularly shaped coarse-mode dust particles (particles with diameters &gt; 1 µm) have sizes around 1.5–2 µm. The SALTRACE results are also set into the context of the SAMUM-1 (Morocco, 2006) and SAMUM-2 (Cabo Verde, 2008) depolarization ratio studies. Again, only minor changes in the dust depolarization characteristics were observed on the way from the Saharan dust sources towards the Caribbean.

Iron limitation of microbial phosphorus acquisition in the tropical North Atlantic

In certain regions of the predominantly nitrogen limited ocean, microbes can become co-limited by phosphorus. Within such regions, a proportion of the dissolved organic phosphorus pool can be accessed by microbes employing a variety of alkaline phosphatase (APase) enzymes. In contrast to the PhoA family of APases that utilize zinc as a cofactor, the recent discovery of iron as a cofactor in the more widespread PhoX and PhoD implies the potential for a biochemically dependant interplay between oceanic zinc, iron and phosphorus cycles. Here we demonstrate enhanced natural community APase activity following iron amendment within the low zinc and moderately low iron Western North Atlantic. In contrast we find no evidence for trace metal limitation of APase activity beneath the Saharan dust plume in the Eastern Atlantic. Such intermittent iron limitation of microbial phosphorus acquisition provides an additional facet in the argument for iron controlling the coupling between oceanic nitrogen and phosphorus cycles.

Autonomous marine hyperspectral radiometers for determining solar irradiances and aerosol optical properties

Abstract. We have developed two hyperspectral radiometer systems which require no moving parts, shade rings or motorised tracking, making them ideally suited for autonomous use in the inhospitable remote marine environment. Both systems are able to measure direct and diffuse hyperspectral irradiance in the wavelength range 350–1050 nm at 6 nm (Spectrometer 1) or 3.5 nm (Spectrometer 2) resolution. Marine field trials along a 100° transect (between 50° N and 50° S) of the Atlantic Ocean resulted in close agreement with existing commercially available instruments in measuring (1) photosynthetically available radiation (PAR), with both spectrometers giving regression slopes close to unity (Spectrometer 1: 0.960; Spectrometer 2: 1.006) and R2 ∼ 0.96; (2) irradiant energy, with R2 ∼ 0.98 and a regression slope of 0.75 which can be accounted for by the difference in wavelength integration range; and (3) hyperspectral irradiance where the agreement on average was between 2 and 5 %. Two long duration land-based field campaigns of up to 18 months allowed both spectrometers to be well calibrated. This was also invaluable for empirically correcting for the wider field of view (FOV) of the spectrometers in comparison with the current generation of sun photometers ( ∼ 7.5° compared with ∼ 1°). The need for this correction was also confirmed and independently quantified by atmospheric radiative transfer modelling and found to be a function of aerosol optical depth (AOD) and solar zenith angle. Once Spectrometer 2 was well calibrated and the FOV effect corrected for, the RMSE in retrievals of AOD when compared with a CIMEL sun photometer were reduced to ∼ 0.02–0.03 with R2 &gt; 0.95 at wavelengths 440, 500, 670 and 870 nm. Corrections for the FOV as well as ship motion were applied to the data from the marine field trials. This resulted in AOD500 nm ranging between 0.05 in the clear background marine aerosol regions and ∼ 0.5 within the Saharan dust plume. The RMSE between the handheld Microtops sun photometer and Spectrometer 2 was between 0.047 and 0.057 with R2 &gt; 0.94.