The Sahara dust

The Sahara dust

1. The Saharan dust plume is a supersized version of ones that cross the Atlantic all the time, ferrying particles that irritate lungs but also fertilize plant and ocean life.

2. Once a pocket a Saharan Dust begins moving westward over the Atlantic, it is relatively easy to track using infrared satellite produts. This model combines the forecasted development and movement of the Saharan Air Layer with the GFS precipitation rate and pressure contours to depict the movement of the layer.

3. is made of sand, dirt, and other dust that is lifted into the atmosphere from the vast desert area that covers most of North Africa. This dust is carried in the African Waves which push westward into the Atlantic Ocean.

4. The Saharan Air Layer is a well-mixed dry pocket of air that ususally resides between 5,000 and 15,000 feet above sea level. Since one of the key ingredients for tropical cyclone development is a deep feed of moisture, Saharan Dust often acts to inhibit tropical development.

5. Saharan dust is bad for health. But it’s also crucial to Earth’s biology and climate

6. Saharan dust is a mixture of sand and dust from the Sahara, the vast desert area that covers most of North Africa.

7. The best advice is to limit exposure to the dust and take precautions to protect your health: If it appears hazy or dusty outside, limit outdoor activities such as yard work, exercise, children playing. Wear a face mask outside to keep dust particles out of the nose and mouth, and to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

8. The air layers propelling the dust tend to stay about a mile above the Earth's surface, with strong winds, extremely dry air, and very high temperatures. This phenomenon sometimes suppresses the development of tropical storms and hurricanes

9. Particles cause respiratory health effects and irritation and the smaller particles can cause cardiovascular issues and a whole sweep of other health impacts.