GOES-Based Trends in Blowing Dust Initiation across Southwestern North America, 2001–20

Abstract Blowing dust is a significant hazard in southwestern North America, impacting air quality, visibility, and, consequently, human health and safety. Numerous studies have examined blowing dust in this region to better understand where, when, and how these events occur, as well as their impacts and long-term trends. Most of this research has relied on ground-based in situ observations or polar-orbiting satellite data. However, few have leveraged the high spatial and temporal resolution of geostationary satellite imagery. This study develops a 20-yr record (2001–20) of blowing dust events across southwestern North America using manually analyzed Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) infrared imagery. Human analysts identified dust plumes based on their spectral and spatiotemporal characteristics and recorded their initiation times and locations. The analysis reveals a strong springtime peak in activity, regional hotspots such as northern Chihuahua, west Texas, and northwest Nevada, and elevated dust frequencies during major drought periods like 2002/03 and 2011/12. The resulting dataset provides a unique perspective on the geographic, seasonal, and interannual patterns of dust activity in the region. By consistently identifying when and where dust plumes initiate, this GOES-based record adds valuable temporal and spatial context that complements other surface- and satellite-based climatologies. Significance Statement Blowing dust poses a significant threat to air quality and transportation safety across southwestern North America. This study provides a 20-yr record (2001–20) of blowing dust events using geostationary satellite imagery, offering new insights into seasonal patterns, geographic hotspots, and meteorological drivers. The results show that dust activity peaks in the spring, aligns with drought periods, and is most frequent in the Chihuahuan Desert and agricultural regions of west Texas. These findings can be used to improve air quality forecasting, hazard mitigation, and long-term environmental monitoring.