Quantifying SAL Aerosol Concentrations During Tropical Cyclogenesis

Prior studies investigated the effects of the Saharan air layer (SAL) on tropical cyclone (TC) formation. The remaining uncertainty of TC-genesis under the influence of the SAL serves as an incentive to investigate the variables and characteristics of the environment that may contain the appropriate conditions for TC formation. Without knowing dust concentration levels, it becomes difficult to determine the role of aerosols in association with TC genesis. To better visualize these characteristics, hurricanes from 2006 to 2012 have been selected in terms of developed and non-developed systems under different environment conditions.

Operating on the hypothesis that dust within the SAL inhibits TC genesis and lowers TC intensity, the goal of this study is to calculate the amount of aerosol mass concentration emitted from the SAL in a limited region during TC genesis. Concentration levels will be calculated using aerosol optic depth and fine fraction data acquired by MODIS from Terra and Aqua satellites. Quantification of the levels of dust concentration during various stages of TC development could provide clarification on the role of Saharan aerosols. Results will be presented upon research completion.