Monitoring Desert Dust Storms in Undersampled Desert Areas

Dr. Papathanasiou delivered the presentation “Monitoring Desert Dust Storms in Undersampled Desert Areas” in the session on “Wildfire Smoke, Volcanic Plumes & Dust Storms.” Her talk showcased how CiROCCO is developing an end-to-end sensing and modelling approach that combines low-cost sensor networks with high-end sensors and advanced data fusion, remote sensing and assimilation techniques to strengthen monitoring and forecasting of desert dust storm events. By focusing on undersampled regions and supporting early warning, the presentation contributed a practical, scalable pathway for using Earth observation and ground-based measurements to better understand exposure and reduce health risks associated with dust events. The webinar brought together a strong international community spanning public agencies, research institutions and practitioner networks involved in Earth observation and health, including major organizations such as NASA. This high-level participation underlines the importance of the AfriGEO-focused exchange and strengthens the pathway from scientific capabilities to real-world health decision support.