Atmospheric Boundary Layer Behaviour During Passage of Dust Storms Over Baghdad (Case Study)

Abstract Baghdad experienced a severe winter dust storm on December 14, 2024, marking an unusual occurrence in the local weather pattern. The purpose of this analysis is to observe the patterns in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) during this storm by watching indices border stability such as the Richardson number, turbulent energy, vertical shear, buoyancy, layer height of the (ABL) and vertical temperature change, as well as the specific and relative humidity profiles. Data from ERA5 and the Baghdad station’s surface records were analyzed to investigate changes in these variables over the three periods preceding, during, and following the storm. During the storm, thermal-mechanical turbulence occurred, resulting in rapid alterations to the boundary layer structure, a significant drop in stability indices, the formation of distinct thermal profiles, and reversals in the sensible heat flux and atmospheric humidity. The findings contribute to understanding the impact of dust storms on atmospheric stability and encourage further research into how dust affects arid areas.