Saharan dust events in the Carpathian Basin (Central Europe) in 2018: provenance analyses by granulometry, XRD and SEM methods

Sediment samples were collected from Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia (as possible source sediments) and from Hungary (2018 dust events), and analyzed with the following measurements: laser diffraction, X-ray powder diffraction, automated static image analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Similarities were expected in the results of desert-originated samples and samples collected in Hungary. In order to identify the typical dust transportation routes and possible source areas, the backward trajectories were plotted using the NOAA HYSPLIT model [1].

According to particle size distribution results, active dust emission is taking place at the location of investigated desert samples, and the samples collected in Hungary can be the particles out-blown from the source areas. The evaluated mineralogical results show that every sample contains quartz and phyllosilicates. SEM micrographs and image analyses results assume that the samples collected in Hungary are from the same source area. Using HYSPLIT application, trajectories of two analyzed dust events reveal that one desert sample, as a possible source is excluded and that the two trajectories cross each other at a junction point above North Africa (depression area between the Hoggar Mts. and Tademaït). This point can be the sought possible source location. The results in this study are convenient with those founded by Blott et al. [2] and Ahmed et al. [3]

Acknowledgment

Support of the National Research, Development and Innovation Office NKFIH KH130337 and K120213 is gratefully acknowledged.

References

1. Draxler, RR, Rolph, GD. 2012. HYSPLIT (HYbrid Single‐Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory) Model access via NOAA ARL READY Website. NOAA Air Resources Laboratory: Silver Spring, MD. http://ready.arl.noaa.gov/HYSPLIT.php, last accessed 2019/03/20.
2. Blott, S. J., Al-Dousari, A. M., Pye, K., Saye, S. E.: Three-dimensional characterization of sand grain shape and surface texture using a nitrogen gas adsorption technique. Journal of Sedimentary Research 74, 156–159‏ (2004).
3. Ahmed, M., Al-Dousari, N., Al-Dousari, A.: The role of dominant perennial native plant species in controlling the mobile sand encroachment and fallen dust problem in Kuwait. Arabian Journal of Geosciences 9, 134 (2016)