NASA | Making Saharan Air Apparent

The Global Hawk aircraft is used as a long-distance airborne laboratory to study tropical cyclones, focusing on the Saharan air layer's impact. The H3 campaign employs instruments like the cloud physics Lidar to gather data on dust and storm interactions. LIDAR technology provides insights into storm anatomy by distinguishing particle types. The mission aims to improve models and understanding of how dust affects storm development, addressing measurement challenges in observing the Saharan air layer's characteristics and effects.

What is the primary purpose of the Global Hawk aircraft in the H3 mission?

• To transport goods across the Atlantic

• To study the factors affecting tropical cyclones

• To monitor ocean temperatures

• To provide passenger flights over the Sahara

What is one of the known effects of the Saharan air layer on storms?

• It causes heavy rainfall

• It reduces ocean temperatures

• It promotes downdrafts and increases wind shear

• It strengthens the storm's core

Which instrument on the Global Hawk is used to gather data through storms and dusty air layers?

• Radar

• Cloud physics Lidar

• Thermometer

• Barometer

How does the cloud physics Lidar help in understanding storm anatomy?

• By capturing images of clouds

• By recording sound waves

• By sending light pulses to identify particles

• By measuring ocean currents

What is the main challenge in studying the Saharan air layer's impact on storms?

• Collecting observations of its characteristics and effects

• Finding the right aircraft for the mission

• Predicting the exact path of storms

• Measuring ocean salinity