Responding to increasingly volatile climate conditions and to the growing environmental and public health challenges posed by transboundary dust pollution, the National Observatory of Athens announced this week the launch of a new Desert Dust Transport Observatory, operating under the supervision of the Hellenic Meteorological Service.

The initiative aims to provide comprehensive, real-time monitoring of dust transport events, particularly those originating from North Africa, which have become more frequent and intense in recent years. Scientists pointed to major episodes, including the severe dust storm in January, February, and again expected in the coming days as a catalyst for the observatory’s creation.

Based on Crete, the system delivers continuous updates through satellite imagery, detailed particle concentration diagrams, and air quality data. The observatory leverages advanced monitoring tools, including data from the Sentinel-5P satellite – part of the European Copernicus program – to track dust movement across the region.

A key component of the system is the Aerosol Index (AER), which measures increases in light-absorbing particles in the atmosphere. This allows experts to accurately identify and assess the severity of dust episodes. Data visualizations are updated after each event, as soon as new measurements become available.

The platform also incorporates PM10 concentration readings from two monitoring stations in Rethymno (Crete), one located in the city center and another in the nearby town of Adele. These measurements are refreshed every 30 minutes, offering near real-time insight into air quality conditions.

Crete was selected as the observatory’s focal point due to its frequent exposure to Saharan dust transport. In addition to live data, the system provides four-day forecasts of dust concentration levels across Greece.