The global dust system occupies dimensions of space, time, size, composition, shape and mixtures. New observational tools like satellites and surface networks monitor the daily aerosol pattern and transport but characterize only aspects of the full system. Data from multiple sensors along with models are needed to understand the system and derive knowledge. Analysis shows fine Saharan dust over southeast US averages 0.2-1 micrograms/m3 annually with July peaks of 2-6 micrograms/m3. During major transport events, surface dust over parts of North America can reach 50-100 micrograms/m3. These events significantly impact regional aerosol patterns. Establishing transcontinental dust sources requires open data sharing and scientific collaboration to decompose and integrate

1. Global and Local Dust over N. America Observations and Analysis Tools Rudolf Husar CAPITA , Washington University , St. Louis Presented at: Second Workshop on Mineral Dust Paris, France, September 10-12, 2003 Sahara Local Sahara Local

9. Seasonal Fine Aerosol Composition, E. US Upper Buffalo Smoky Mtn Everglades, FL Big Bend, TX

12. Supporting Evidence: Transport Analysis Satellite data (e.g. SeaWiFS) show Sahara Dust reaching Gulf of Mexico and entering the continent. The air masses arrive to Big Bend, TX form the east (July) and from the west (April)

15. Direction of Dust Origin at 5 IMPROVE Sites Ad hoc Data Processing Value Chain High ‘dust’ concentration at 5 sites indicate the same airmass pathway from the tropical Atlantic Weather Serv. Upper Air Data NOAA ARL ATAD ATAD Traject Gebhart (2002) NPS-CIRA IMPROVEData PMF Tool Pareto (2001) PMF “Sources” Coutant (2002) CATT Tool Husar (2003) Aggregation Poirot (2003)

16. Global Scale Dust Transport: The April 1998 Asian Dust Event Location of the April 19 dust cloud over the Pacific Ocean based on daily SeaWiFS, GMS5/GOES9/GOES10 and TOMS satellite data. The April 1998 Asian dust event caused 2-3 times higher dust concentrations then any other event during 1988-1998