Saharan Dust in Texas

The sunrises and sunsets in the Texas Gulf Coast have been particularly vivid this week. The hue and vibrancy of colors seen during dusk and dawn are greatly affected by the composition of the atmosphere, and in Texas, there are currently some unusual particles. A large plume of African dust has arrived to the Gulf Coast after being pushed 5,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean by strong winds. This African dust plume is referred to as the SAL, or the Saharan Air Layer. It is composed of dark orange or brown particles that are 50% more dry than typical surrounding tropical air.
The SAL can have negative impacts including hazy sky conditions and the presence of toxic algae blooms in bodies of water. Recently, its impact on hurricane strength and development has also been a major topic of research in the field of meteorology. Some research suggests that in the presence of Saharan dust, hurricane development is suppressed in the Atlantic; however, this topic is continuing to be researched and a single finding has not been agreed upon.

Kendra