Long-range global transport and characterization of dust

Abstract

Aerosols are tiny-suspended particles in the Earth�s atmosphere, which have the potential to modify atmospheric radiative forcing, cloud properties, and atmospheric chemistry. Aerosols are transported from one part of the Earth system to another. Mineral dust, the largest component of terrestrial aerosols, is believed to influence strongly the climate and biogeochemistry of various terrestrial and marine ecosystems. In this chapter, we revise our understanding of mineral dust, its characteristics and transport as well as its impact on ocean biogeochemistry. The chemical (elemental composition) and isotopic composition of dust aerosol are two of the several robust markers, which can be used to track long-range transport and sources of dust origin. Some of the key elemental as well as isotopic ratios are discussed in this chapter. We also highlight a comprehensive case study done in the semiarid region of Western India (near Thar Desert). Such regional-scale studies are important in improving our understanding of the regional and seasonal characteristics of the mineral aerosols and associated chemical transformation processes.