Multi-step evaluation framework for analyzing mineral dust transport and meteorological impacts over northern India

Abstract

Dust burden during the dust storms events imparts an adverse effect on human health and environment. The aim of this research is to provide a deeper understanding about the atmospheric dynamics of long-range transport of mineral dust for 8 severe dust storm events over the Indian region during the period 2008–2022. Transport of mineral dust analyzed based on MERRA-2 Dust column mass density, following a multistep evaluation process with individual datasets. Synoptic conditions inferred based on wind circulations patterns (200hpa and 850hpa) and mean sea level pressure. Semi-Direct effect of dust aerosol inferred based on the metrological conditions. Low pressure system and prevalence of stronger winds (>15 m/s) results in long-range transport of mineral dust. HYSPLIT Back-trajectory analysis and upper tropospheric circulations states the propagation of mineral dust from the dust prone regions. Enhanced dust loading (>0.89 × 10⁻³ kg/m²) is associated with reduced mid-tropospheric relative humidity and surface temperature. Higher aerosol loading (>1.0) combined with a low Ångström exponent (<0.6) values indicate the presence of coarse-mode dust particles in the atmosphere. The presence of elevated absorbing aerosols leads to atmospheric heating and moisture suppression in the mid-troposphere, reflecting the semi-direct effect of dust aerosols over Northern India.