Analyzing the impact of Saharan sand and dust storms based on HYSPLIT algorithm in Tunisian regions

This study deals with the effects of the Saharan dust events on air quality in Tunisian cities. An algorithm based on the measurement of PM10 concentrations HYSPLIT is used for the analysis of these effects. The method involves satellite observations, back trajectories, and dust maps for validation. During the studied period, the daily PM10 trend shows prevalent PM10 packs predominately during the cold season. In the course of Saharan sand and dust storms, the PM10 time evolution reveals an increasing concentration with long residence period. Many comparisons at local and regional scale have been made in this study. A first local comparison in Gabes station shows a difference of development of PM10 concentration between a dust day and a non-dust day. A second local comparison on a dust day between Gabes and Sousse stations displays synchronization between the considered sites with large detected daily PM10 concentration maximum levels. On the other hand, a comparison between results of this study and those found in Abu Dhabi shows a comparable value during the winter season. The output of the algorithm recorded the highest PM10 concentration in Gabes station in March, which is in good agreement with the experimental results. © 2021, Saudi Society for Geosciences.