Abstract View
Comparison of Particle Concentration and Distribution during Different Dust Storm Types as Measured by AEROS in West Texas
KARIN ARDON-DRYER, Mary Kelley, Moira Plantier, Xueting Xia, Texas Tech University
Abstract Number: 42
Working Group: Aerosol Physics
Abstract
Dust particles are among the most common atmospheric aerosols; they can stay suspended in the atmosphere for a long period of time, ranging from several hours up to days. During a dust storm, the dust particle concentrations often exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) health-recommended daily threshold values for PM10 and PM2.5 (particles with aerodynamic diameter <10μm and <2.5μm respectively). Exposure to dust particles can lead to respiratory problems, particularly for people with asthma. Lubbock Texas is one of the most persistently windy inland areas of North America and is considered to be among the dustiest; dust storms in this region can form due to frontal passage or thunderstorm outflows. In this project, we are comparing multiple dust storm events that occurred in Lubbock TX. Measurements of particle concentration (PM10 & PM2.5), size distribution, meteorological conditions as well as elemental composition of samples were all captured by our Aerosol Research Observation Station (AEROS) which is located in Texas Tech University in Lubbock Texas. In our presentation, we will present the spatial and temporal behavior of each of these dust storm events as well as the similarities and differences between them.