Dust clouds over West Africa: a characterization by satellite data.

Location, shape and intensity of the Saharan dust clouds are studied using surface visibility observations from the meteorological stations network of West Africa. The midday radiometric visible (VIS) and window infrared (IR) data are compared with results obtained from visibility observations and ground measurements of optical thickness. The IR data are shown to be suitable for the study of dust haze over the continent. The interpretation of the effect of dust on IR data is discussed.-Authors