How Continent-Sized Dust Storms Form

In 2020, a massive Saharan dust storm, nicknamed 'Godzilla', crossed the Atlantic, affecting air quality in the Caribbean and southeastern US. The storm was driven by unusually strong wind patterns: the African Easterly Jet, the North Atlantic Subtropical High, and the Caribbean Low Level Jet. These patterns, influenced by temperature gradients and pressure systems, combined to transport a large amount of dust across the ocean. Researchers are concerned that rising temperatures could make such events more frequent.

What are the three air patterns that contributed to the Godzilla dust storm?

How did the African Easterly Jet (AEJ) influence the transport of dust across the Atlantic?

What role did the North Atlantic Subtropical High (Nash) play during the dust storm?

Explain how the Caribbean Low Level Jet (CLLJ) contributed to the dust storm's impact.

What concerns do researchers have regarding future dust storms similar to the Godzilla event?