This project explores dust deposition during the African Humid Period (~8,000-5,000 years before present) in North Africa. This region is a significant source region for desert dust today and data suggest that the area was much wetter during the Humid Period and, as a consequence, less of a source of dust.

The research team aims to examine the role of dust during this time period as follows: i) compile available desert dust deposition records for this time period; ii) simulate desert dust in the Community Climate System Model (CCSM) and match the available data; and iii) evaluate the impact of dust radiative forcing on climate during this time period.

The primary broader impacts involve supporting undergraduate and graduate students as well as helping improve the characterization of aerosols in the CCSM. Improving aerosols for the CCSM has a wide appeal to a broad spectrum of atmospheric scientists.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
1003509
Program Officer
David Verardo
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2010-08-01
Budget End
2015-07-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$326,013
Indirect Cost
Name
Cornell University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Ithaca
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
14850