Hi Doug: This is for you only
The 1999 Asian Dust Season has Begun.
Rudolf Husar
rhusar@mecf.wuastl.edu, Feb 18, 1999
The data from the SeaWiFS and GMS-5 satellites show that the dust storms in Northwestern China are on schedule for the spring season.
Figure 1. SeaWiFS images for Feb 17 an 18 1999. Note the Dust cloud in Xingjang province of Western China.( Click for a larger image)
The images from the GMS-5 geostationary satellite shows the dust cloud as bright scattering area.
Figure 2. Visible Image from GMS-5 on Feb 18 0530 GMT. Click on the image to see a GIF animation (4 MB).
Fig 3. IR image of the dust on Feb 17 1999. Note the bright (cold) dust signature over western China. Click on the image to see a GIF animation (5 MB)
The TOMS absorbing aerosol product confirms the existence of an aerosol source in Western China.
Fig. 4 TOMS Absorbing aerosol pattern for Feb 17 and 18 1999. Clearly, the dust signature on the TOMS aerosol product is modest.
The NRL Surface Observations show dust reports and low visibility in the Xingjang province of Western China.
Fig 5. Surface observations (NRL) indicating the reports of dust (light blue symbols) in western China. The area coincides with the dust cloud shown in the SeaWiFS and GMS-5 images. Click for a larger image)