Subjective Mapping of Dust-Emission Sources by Using MODIS Imagery

Accurate dust-source characterizations are critical for effectively modeling dust storms and their associated hazards.

Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi

Dust storms (5 to 100 km across) often originate from multiple dust-emission sources (1 to 10 km across). Remotesensing-based dust-source identification is a challenge. A previous study developed a subjective approach for mapping dust sources by using enhanced MODIS satellite imagery; therefore, this study conducted mapping exercises to assess the reproducibility of this technique amongst multiple analysts and in different regions.

Atmospheric soil and mineral dust can significantly influence a variety of global-scale processes, such as the radiation budget of the atmosphere, biogeochemical reactions that occur in the ocean, and global climate. On regional and local scales, lofted dust can negatively affect visibility, mobility, communication, and human health. As a result, understanding the processes that control spatial and temporal patterns of atmospheric dust occurrence has become a priority for the research, military, operational forecasting, and hazard mitigation communities.