Air Quality

The tradewinds blowing across the tropical Atlantic bring millions of tons of dust from the Sahara and Sahel regions of Africa to the Caribbean every year. This atmospheric transportation has occurred for millennia, but scientists suspect that the quality and quantity of that dust may be changing and may affect humans and ecosystems where the dust is deposited.

Research has found that the dust that reaches the Caribbean contains viable bacteria and fungi, nutrients, and persistent organic pollutants. Scientists now study the connections between atmospheric deposition and the health of coral reefs.

Links and Sources

Coral Mortality and African Dust summarizes the US Geological Survey studies on the connections between coral mortality and African dust. View photos, satellite images, video documentary and reports.

When the Dust Settles summarizes NASA studies on African Dust and coral disease. Contains satellite images, links, and photos. Includes comparative photos from St. John on clear and dusty days.