ISSN: 1304-7191 | E-ISSN: 1304-7205
Seasonal Investigation of Atmospheric Desert Dust Affecting Sanliurfa Using Modis Satellite and Hysplit Model Data
1Harran University, Department of Environmental Engineering, SANLIURFA
2Harran University, Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, SANLIURFA
Sigma J Eng Nat Sci 2018; 36(3): 905-916
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Abstract

Million tons of dust are transported every year primarily from the Sahara Desert, Syria and Arabian Peninsula, which are close to Turkey. In this study, Sanlıurfa, was selected as an observation station to investigate the extent of long range transport of dust influencing Southeastern Anatolia Region for the first time. Hence, PM10 and PM2.5 types of dust were collected into filters through dust collection device during 2012 year and the amount was determined. The source of the dust at 500, 1000 and 1500 meters, also, was analyzed using the model of HYSPLIT. MODIS aerosol product was used for satellite images of dusty days. The source of these dusts carried over long distances was found, with HYSPLIT, to be Sahara Desert in particular, Syrian desert and deserts in the Arabian Peninsula. Dust collected daily through dust collection device into PM10 and PM2.5 filters was found to come more frequently in transition seasons of as PM10 of 550 μg m-3, PM2.5 of 213 μg m-3 in spring; as PM10 of 620 μg m-3, PM2.5 of 240 μg m-3 in autumn which are all above the minimum standard levels (50 μg m-3) accepted by the WHO.