Regional atmospheric circulation patterns driving consecutive fog events in the United Arab Emirates

Fonseca, Ricardo; Francis, Diana; Nelli, Narendra; Cherif, Charfeddine

doi:10.1016/j.atmosres.2022.106506

Cited by 8 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 81 publications

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“…This study determines fog events using metrics such as horizontal visibility and relative humidity (RH). Initially, fog occurrence times are detected during periods when the horizontal visibility is less than or equal to 1 km and RH is greater than 93% (e.g., Fonseca et al., 2023; Nelli et al., 2022; Temimi, Fonseca, Nelli, Valappil, et al., 2020; Thota et al., 2020; Weston et al., 2022). Subsequently, a visual inspection of 15‐min SEVIRI Fog RGB images is conducted to confirm the presence of fog at the detected times.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Wind‐Blown Sand Experiment in the Empty Quarter Desert: Roughness Length and Saltation Characteristics

Nelli,

Francis,

Sow

et al. 2024

Earth and Space Science

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The Empty Quarter Desert, one of Earth's major dust sources, frequently experiences dust storms due to wind erosion. Despite its significance as a primary dust source on a global scale, in‐situ observations from this region had not been reported until very recently. In summer 2022, the WInd‐blown Sand Experiment (WISE) Phase‐1 was initiated in the Empty Quarter Desert of the United Arab Emirates, and continued until 7 February 2023. Utilizing a diverse array of instruments, we measured winds, temperature, humidity, radiation fluxes, saltation, and the physical and optical properties of dust aerosols, atmospheric electric fields, and soil characteristics. A total of 38 distinct sand‐saltation events were recorded from September 2022 to February 2023, with activity peaking between 13:00 and 14:00 local time. Key findings include the identification of dominant wind patterns, and the measurement of the average aerodynamic roughness length (z0) at 0.8 ± 0.6 mm, and the thermal roughness length (zh) at 0.3 ± 0.5 mm—the first estimation of zh for this area. In‐situ observations revealed that dust particle concentrations near the surface increased 1.7‐fold on days with saltation compared to days without it. Moreover, we determined a wind‐speed threshold for initiating saltation at 7.70 m s−1. This comprehensive data set significantly advances our understanding of atmospheric‐soil interactions and sand movement dynamics, providing invaluable insights for ongoing research into desert environments and the global dust cycle.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Wind‐Blown Sand Experiment in the Empty Quarter Desert: Roughness Length and Saltation Characteristics

Nelli,

Francis,

Sow

et al. 2024

Earth and Space Science

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“…The coastal cities also experienced relatively higher intensities than the inland areas. The main reason for this is that the northwesterly winds bring moisture from the Arabian Gulf and lose the majority of their water content in the coastal area before traveling southward [49].…”

Section: Developing the Idf Curvesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of Intensity–Duration–Frequency (IDF) Curves over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Using CHIRPS Satellite-Based Precipitation Products

Alsumaiti,

Hussein,

Ghebreyesus

et al. 2023

Remote Sensing

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The recent flooding events in the UAE have emphasized the need for a reassessment of flood frequencies to mitigate risks. The exponential urbanization and climatic changes in the UAE require a reform for developing and updating intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) curves. This study introduces a methodology to develop and update IDF curves for the UAE at a high spatial resolution using CHIRPS (Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station) data. A bias correction was applied to the CHIRPS data, resulting in an improved capture of extreme events across the country. The Gumbel distribution was the most suitable theoretical distribution for the UAE, exhibiting a strong fit to the observed data. The study also revealed that the CHIRPS-derived IDF curves matched the shape of IDF curves generated using rain gauges. Due to orographic rainfall in the northeastern region, the IDF intensities were at their highest there, while the aridity of inland regions resulted in the lowest intensities. These findings enhance our understanding of rainfall patterns in the UAE and support effective water resource management and infrastructure planning. This study demonstrates the potential of the CHIRPS dataset for IDF curve development, emphasizes the importance of performing bias corrections, and recommends tailoring adjustments to the intended application.

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“…The prevailing wind flow is from the northwest, with typical speeds of 1-3 m s −1 (Naizghi and Ouarda, 2017;Nelli et al, 2022), Figure 2A, and with a marked sea-breeze circulation on a daily scale (Eager et al, 2008;Weston et al, 2021). The moist air arriving in the UAE comes primarily from the Arabian Gulf, Figure 2A However, and in particular in the colder months, the Red Sea, Arabian Sea and Mediterranean Sea are also important moisture sources for the eastern Arabian Peninsula (Massoud et al, 2020;Nelli et al, 2021;Fonseca et al, 2023).…”

Section: Methane Emissions In the Uaementioning

confidence: 99%

Trends and variability in methane concentrations over the Southeastern Arabian Peninsula

Francis

Weston

Fonseca

et al. 2023

Front. Environ. Sci.

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Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas with an important contribution to global warming. While national and international efforts have been put in place to reduce methane emissions, little is known about its variability, especially in hotspot regions where natural and anthropogenic emissions are compounded. In this study, the current state of CH4 concentrations and their trends over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and surrounding region are investigated with satellite and reanalysis data. CH4 concentrations have increased over the last 5 years, with a trend in the satellite-derived column values (XCH4) of about 9 ppb/year. A clear annual cycle is detected in XCH4, with an amplitude of up to 75 ppb and peak values in the warmer months. The largest concentrations are found in coastal sites, where sabkhas and landfills are present, and along the Al Hajar mountains, where agricultural activities and microhabitats that may host CH4-producing microbes occur and where advection by the background flow is likely an important contributor. The reanalysis data shows a good agreement with the satellite-derived estimates in terms of the spatial pattern, but the magnitudes are smaller by up to 50 ppb, due to deficiencies in the data assimilated. Surface CH4 concentrations in the reanalysis data account for more than 50% of the corresponding XCH4 values, and exhibit a seasonal cycle with the opposite phase due to uncertainties in the emissions inventory. Our findings provide an overview of the state of CH4 concentration in the UAE and surrounding region, and may aid local authorities to propose the appropriate emission reduction strategies in order to meet the proposed net-zero greenhouse gas emission target by 2050. This study highlights the need for the establishment in the Arabian Peninsula region of a ground-based observational network for greenhouse gas concentrations which is still lacking to date.

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Regional atmospheric circulation patterns driving consecutive fog events in the United Arab Emirates

Cited by 8 publications

References 81 publications

The Wind‐Blown Sand Experiment in the Empty Quarter Desert: Roughness Length and Saltation Characteristics

The Wind‐Blown Sand Experiment in the Empty Quarter Desert: Roughness Length and Saltation Characteristics

Development of Intensity–Duration–Frequency (IDF) Curves over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Using CHIRPS Satellite-Based Precipitation Products

Trends and variability in methane concentrations over the Southeastern Arabian Peninsula

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