SAL Dust Characteristics during Tropical Cyclone Formation

The effects of dust in the Sahara Air Layer (SAL) on tropical cyclone (TC) genesis remain unclear. In addition, there is a lack of data on the amount of dust present during SAL events. Determining dust quantities during the initial TC development stages would demonstrate SAL strength and a possible aerosol threshold for TC intensification. Dust properties were calculated using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Modern Era Retrospective-Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) data during the genesis of Hurricane Fred (2015). Results from Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled to Chemistry (WRF-Chem) using Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) dust scheme will also be compared with MODIS and MERRA calculations. A comprehensive statistical analysis is also planned to determine the bias and accuracy of these calculated quantities. Additional future comparative work will include incorporating data from the ground-based Aerosol Robotic Network (Aeronet).