A case study on the dust storm that occurred on March 13–18, 2022, over the Algerian Sahara, using satellite remote sensing

This study investigates the dynamics of a significant dust storm that occurred in Algeria in March 2022, employing data derived from the Sentinel-5P and CALIPSO satellite instruments. We examine the Aerosol Absorbing Index (AAI) to detect n absorbing aerosols, with a focus on desert dust, and analyze the attenuation coefficient. Additionally, we employ the HYSPLIT trajectory analyze to study dust transport and MERRA-2 to examine wind patterns wind. The key findings unveil a detailed trajectory of a prominent dust storm in Algeria in March 2022. The Aerosol Absorbing Index (AAI) effectively identifies absorbing aerosols, particularly desert dust, through thorough analyses of dust trajectory and wind patterns; augmenting these findings, CALIPSO satellite data has provided a detailed vertical profile of aerosols within the dust plume, emphasizing spatial and altitudinal extents. This research significantly contributes to advancing scientific discussions on atmospheric dynamics in arid regions and enhances our understanding and forecasting capabilities related to Saharan dust storm initiation and trajectory.