The EMIT project brings together a broad range of expertise, covering mineral measurements, soil science, remote sensing of surface properties, and Earth system modelling. Data collected as part of the modelling component will be used to advance the understanding of the role of atmospheric dust, one of the largest contributors to the global aerosol mass load on Earth\’s climate.
In addition to his work with NASA, Dr Perez Garcia-Pando has been awarded an ERC Consolidator Grant for pursuing high-level research regarding emitted mineral sizes and fractions resulting from the fragmentation of soil aggregates during wind erosion, within the FRAGMENT (Frontiers in dust mineralogical composition and its effects upon climate) project.
The benefit of promoting networking within the research field of dust monitoring and forecasting has been recognised by COST, who in June 2017 awarded networking funding to InDUST, an Action that aims to encourage the use of monitoring and forecasting of dust products
The main objective of InDUST is coordinating and harmonising the process of transferring dust observation and prediction data to users, as well as assisting stakeholders from diverse socio-economic sectors who are affected by the presence of high concentrations of airborne mineral dust. This dust can represent a serious hazard for life, health, property, environment and economy.
Science Officer for InDUST, Estelle Emeriau states, “I am strongly convinced that this conjunction of efforts at international and European levels will bring promising results for the benefit of society at large, considering that very diverse socio-economic sectors are affected by the presence of high concentrations of airborne mineral dust”
The InDUST Action is chaired by Sara Basart, with Management Committee involvement from Dr Perez Garcia-Pando; both of whom are researchers at Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC).
