A Comparison of Aerosol and Momentum Mixing in Dust Storms Using Fast-Response Instruments

Abstract

Fast-response light scattering measurements at two heights during a Texas dust storm are combined with horizontal and vertical wind data to derive and compare aerosol flux estimates using three techniques. The major result of this study is that a relative equivalence exists between the fine-particle (0.1 ?m < radius < 1 ?m) exchange coefficient and the eddy viscosity of the wind. The data also shed some light on the complex dependence of wind speed threshold for suspension and aerosol flux in high winds for different surface conditions and soil types. These results show the value of the experimental technique to studies of toxic particulate suspension and deposition by wind.