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Mineral dust intrusions in Southeastern Romania: insights from seventeen years of sun photometer data

G. CIOCAN1,2, A. NEMUC1,* , L. BELEGANTE1, M. M. CAZACU3,4

Affiliation

  1. National Institute of Research and Development for Optoelectronics INOE 2000, Magurele, 077125, Romania
  2. Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, Magurele, 077125, Romania
  3. Department of Physics, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, 700050 Iaşi, Romania
  4. INOESY SRL, 8 Fdc. Mestecanis Street, 707410, Valea Lupului, Iasi, Romania

Abstract

Atmospheric mineral dust impacts climate, air quality, and cloud microphysics. This study analyzes 17 years (2007–2024) of dust intrusions over Southeast Romania using advanced optoelectronic instrumentation, specifically AERONET sun photometer data from RADO-Bucharest. By applying aerosol optical depth and Ångström Exponent, we classify dust events by duration and intensity, revealing an annual increase of 1.08 dust days and 0.6 distinct events. Dust transport peaks in late spring, with May showing the highest occurrence. Composition shifts indicate increased marine and mixed aerosols. These findings highlight the growing influence of transported dust and the need for continued monitoring in evolving climate conditions..

Keywords

Mineral dust, Dust event classification, Photometer data, Aerosol composition.

Submitted at: March 20, 2025
Accepted at: Aug. 5, 2025

Citation

G. CIOCAN, A. NEMUC, L. BELEGANTE, M. M. CAZACU, Mineral dust intrusions in Southeastern Romania: insights from seventeen years of sun photometer data, Journal of Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials Vol. 27, Iss. 7-8, pp. 354-367 (2025)