Seasonal simulations of summer aerosol optical depth over the Arabian Peninsula using <scp>WRF?Chem</scp> : Validation, climatology, and variability

This study investigates the climatology and variability of summer aerosol optical depth (AOD) over Arabian Peninsula (AP) using a long-term high-resolution Weather Research Forecasting model coupled with chemistry module (WRF-Chem) simulation, available ground-based satellite observations, reanalysis products from 2008 to 2018. The simulated spatial distribution AOD agrees well observations AP, correlation coefficients 0.81/0.83/0.89 MODIS-A/MODIS-T/MERRA-2, respectively. Higher values summertime are broadly found eastern AP regions southern Red Sea minima northern northwest consistent observational datasets. WRF-Chem simulation suggests that two high associated dust advected Tigris–Euphrates by northwesterly Shamal wind in African Sahara via Sudan westerly winds through Tokar Gap for AP. south-central east is due locally generated action northerly winds, modulated variations relative humidity, vertical motion, soil moisture, temperature desert regions. extent this primarily driven upward motion triggered thermal convection local source region. In terms interannual variability, exhibits significant year-to-year particular, enhanced (reduced) (Persian Gulf) observed during La Niña conditions, favoured stronger (weaker) (northwesterly Shamal) winds. Highlights evaluated simulations resolution successfully its variability. Potential driving factors loading explored. Summer mainly Enhanced (Arabian conditions.