Scientists at the University of Reading (UK) have discovered a mysterious phenomenon that could contribute to global warming. Researchers have identified large particles of dust from the Sahara Desert, which by an unknown method ended up in the Caribbean Sea. They were 50 times the size of particles that could still be carried by global winds. This was announced in a press release on Phys.org.
Specialists collected dust from the desert in special catchers located on ocean buoys and underwater traps in five locations in the Atlantic Ocean from 2013 to 2016. Previously, it was believed that the maximum size of particles that can be carried with air currents is 0.01-0.02 millimeters in diameter. However, scientists have found particles with a diameter of 0.45 millimeters.
Their discovery indicates that there is an atmospheric process or a combination that allows large particles to remain in the air, the researchers said. It is possible that the charge accumulating on the dust and the action of electrostatic forces play a role in this. However, the very presence of such particles in the air should significantly affect the formation of clouds, as well as carbon cycles. Accordingly, the climate models used to predict climate change need to be revised.
In addition, large particles must be removed from the atmosphere with raindrops. Once in the ocean, they sink faster, delivering nutrients to depths, where they affect algae growth and food webs.