Coral Mortality and African Dust

Satellite Images of African Dust

SeaWiFS Satellite Images February 26, 2000 SeaWiFS image. large version [261 k] February 28, 2000 SeaWiFS image. large version [188 k] NOTE: All SeaWiFS images presented on this website are for research and educational use only. All commercial use of SeaWiFS data must be coordinated with ORBIMAGE.

SeaWiFS Imagery

The two satellite images at right, acquired by NASA/Goddard Spaceflight Center's SeaWiFS Project and ORBIMAGE in February 2000, show one of the largest Saharan dust storms ever observed by SeaWiFS.

The dust contains phytoliths (opaline silica spicules from grasses) and freshwater diatoms which have been recovered in sediment cores across the central Atlantic. Essential nutrients are provided by the dust to the Amazon rain forest in South America, and support a bromeliad ecosystem in the forest canopy high above the ground.

NOAA Imagery

The NOAA satellite images below were taken in May and June 1999, and show African dust departing west Africa and arriving over the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Hundreds of millions of tons of African dust are deposited annually in this region. In June and July these dust clouds move farther north, where they impact the Bahamas, the Florida Keys, the Gulf of Mexico, and the eastern United States.

NOAA Satellite Images

Satellite image (05/28/1999) showing dust covering the southern Caribbean, Windward Islands and the Amazon rain forest. large version [113 k] Satellite image showing dust storm (called hermattens) exiting west Africa June 16 1999. large version [65 k] Satellite image (June 1999) showing extension of dust cloud into the Atlantic. large version [94 k]