Saharan dust over the Atlantic Ocean

Saharan dust particles are lifted into the atmosphere by gusts of surface wind and can be transported and deposited thousands of kilometres away. 

When dust travels over populated areas, it can reduce air quality and impact health by causing respiratory problems and cause flight delays. 

Over the oceans, dust can act as a fertiliser, stimulating blooms of tiny marine plants (phytoplankton) that are the basis for the marine food chain.

The latest imagery from Meteosat-12 can be accessed on EUMETview.