A unified dust-climate data record for characterizing the global dust variability and climatic connection

Surface synoptic observations around the globe contain the longest instrumental record of dust events and meteorological conditions, both near and downwind desert regions. This data record provides direct observations of the ambient dust activity, complementary coverage near deserts and under clouds, and longer temporal coverage compared to satellite aerosol products. In this presentation we report the recent progress in developing a unified Dust-Climate Data Record (DCDR) by merging the station-based dust and meteorological reports achieved in the NOAA integrated surface database with coincident observations of land surface conditions essential for understanding the governing factors and processes of dust event onset. The DCDR consists of four datasets at different temporal resolutions (3-hrly, daily, monthly, and yearly), each with a set of variables targeted at different research needs. We will discuss the DCDR methodology, and application for characterizing the recent trend, variability, and predictability of dust events associated with land use management and climate changes.