Author(s)

A. H. Maghrabi

Abstract

Atmospheric aerosols are linked to the climate system and to the hydrologic cycle. Dust is one of the major types of tropospheric aerosols. Dust particles affect both solar and terrestrial radiation, and are thus considered an important parameter in radiation budget studies. In this study, we investigate the impact of two dusty events that occurred on the 12^th and between the 17^th and 20^th July 2000 on both Aerosol Optical Depth and Angstrom Exponent using ground-based measurements. High turbidity values and low Angstrom exponents during the events, in comparison with the previous days, were found. Theoretical calculations using the SMART model show that the dusty conditions significantly decreased the global and direct-beam irradiances, and increased the diffuse component.

Keywords

dust storm, Angstrom component, AOD, July 2000, CIMEL, Riyadh