Q&A

The magic of minerals in the air.

Atmospheric dust refers to the mixture of particles in the atmosphere, which originate from the world´s deserts.

These particles are suspended in the atmosphere, varying in size, composition and source. The particles can be removed from the atmosphere by wet and dry deposition and fall back on soil, vegetation or bodies of water. The winds help them travel through the air.

Where does atmospheric dust come from?

We're going on a trip around the world...

Mainly from deserts! Starting from here, these mineral dust particles are lifted by winds which sweep them the into our atmosphere. It then starts travelling from the arid and dry regions in the Dust Belt in the Northern Hemisphere and can reach places as far as the Caribbean, or the Amazon basin.

How cool does that sound?

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How does it travel?

Megatons per year

or more can be lifted from the deserts and enter the atmosphere

percent

of aerosols in the atmosphere are dust particles lifted by wind

kilometers

is the distance particles can travel from the Sahara to the Caribbean or Amazon

Dust In Nature

Although we can't often see or touch it, mineral dust is everywhere.

Desert Sands

These are a brilliant examples of the beautiful gift that nature creates. This is what we refer to as dust particles that exist in the air.

Dust Makes Clouds Grow

Ice crystals in clouds sometimes need help from dust particles to form.

In Oceans

Dust drops into the oceans which then contributes to the growth of the algae patches that live on the oceans' surfaces.

Radiation from the Sun

The element of iron that exists in dust absorb the radiation from the Sun.

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