The TOMS data can distinguish between different type of aerosol particles based on their size (dust tends to have larger particles than smoke) and absorbing properties in the UV. The data show that aerosols tend to cover much of the globe. Large dust plumes originating in the Sahara are transported across the Atlantic Ocean to the Carribean Islands and the southeastern coast of the U.S. At lower levels the dust plume extends into the Pacific Ocean. Similarly, the TOMS data have shown that dust origininating in China's Gobi desert has been transported across the Pacific where it was observed in 1998 as a significant event in the Western U.S.(eg., Seattle, Washington). Smaller dust events are observed in Australia.

Dust Images

• A late winter 2000 dust storm blows off the Western African Coast into the Atlantic.
• A dust storm was recorded in China during April of 1998 which crossed the Pacific.