Big Data Analytics for Global Dust Storm Detection and Prediction
Dust storms are significant natural hazards that can lift large amounts of dust particles into the atmosphere and transport them over long distances, even across continents. These events degrade air quality, reduce visibility, and affect soil fertility. They can also disrupt transportation, damage infrastructure, and pose serious threats to human health, leading to substantial socio-economic consequences. With their increasing frequency and intensity, it is essential to enhance our ability to monitor, predict, and mitigate their impacts. Accurate monitoring of dust storms contributes to understanding their spatial and temporal dynamics. We map their global distribution on a daily basis over the past two decades using high-resolution satellite data. The project utilizes big data analytics, satellite remote sensing, global datasets, and computational tools to detect and analyze dust storms and their global impacts. Moreover, we develop predictive models to quantify the interactions between dust storms, environmental factors, and human activities, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of their drivers and consequences. This research aims to improve early warning systems, safeguard vulnerable communities, support climate resilience planning, and provide critical tools for environmental management. The outcomes will offer valuable insights into the interaction between dust storms, climate variability, and human activities.