Radiative Properties of Sahara Dust: In-situ Aircraft Measurements and Model Calculations

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Manfred Wendisch
• Subject Area: Atmospheric Science
• Term: from 2004 to 2009
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5470891

This project is part of the DFG research group proposal SAMUM (SAharan Mineral dUst ExperiMent). It concerns the radiative properties of Sahara desert dust particles using a combination of airborne field measurements, radiation simulations, and satellite data. The airborne measurements will be carried out within the joint SAMUM field campaign in Morocco, a suitable site close to a major dust source (Sahara desert). They include vertical profile measurements of desert dust microphysical properties. The focus is on the measurement of up- and downward spectral irradiances in the wavelength range between 295 and 1.700 nm. The calculations focus on particle nonspericity effects, which are crucial for the radiative properties of desert dust aerosol. The input for the simulations is based on laboratory and field measurements, which are conducted within this project or delivered by other partners of the SAMUM research group. The results of the simulations will be compared with the aircraft measurements. Such a combination of sophisticated measurements and appropriate radiative transfer calculations is unique for dust aerosol particles and will enhance the understanding of their radiative properties.

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 539: Saharan Mineral Dust Experiment SAMUM
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Jost Heintzenberg