Saint Mary's University
Mineral dust aerosols in Northern Canada: Sources and impacts on climate and air quality — The project will use satellite, model, and ground-based data to characterise the extent and variability of mineral dust aerosol (MDA) in the atmosphere above northern Canada, and identify the sources from which it is emitted at the surface. The impact of MDA on the radiation budget and clouds – both important components of the climate system – will be quantified, as will its contribution to air quality indicators. The project also involves validation of several Canadian-led/partnered satellite-based systems that measure aerosol and cloud properties.