NASA shows how Sahara desert dust spread all over Europe
2 days ago
- #NASA
- #Saharan dust
- #solar power
- Winter winds in the Northern Hemisphere can carry dust from the Sahara Desert to Europe.
- NASA's animation shows dust movement from March 1-9, 2023, using the Goddard Earth Observing System (GOES) model.
- Dust plumes originated in northwestern Africa, traveled across the Atlantic, and reached Western Europe, causing hazy skies.
- Dust mixed with rain, creating 'blood rain' in Spain, France, and the UK, leaving a brown residue.
- Dusty cirrus clouds formed over the Mediterranean, affecting weather, climate, and solar power generation.
- A study found Saharan dust reduces solar panel efficiency to 46% on high-dust days, compared to 75% on low-dust days.
- Recent research suggests more frequent and intense winter dust events in Europe due to drier conditions in northwestern Africa.