Project description

Since 2006, the Institute for Meteorology and Climate Research (IMK-TRO) is involved in intensive field measurements at the Dead Sea.

Long term measurements of meteorological parameters, particle concentrations and ozone mixing ratios were initiated - accompanied by short term activities like vertical profiling and determination of radiation and the surface energy balance.

OBJECTIVE and RESULTS

The objective is to study the mesoscale wind systems and their role in the distribution of pollutants near the Dead Sea.
Preliminary data evaluation shows that a complexe superposition of various wind systems is abundant. The existence of the widespread lake plays a mayor role in the development of atmospheric layering during the course of the day. However, synoptic influence can disturb the regional system.

Since September 2006 an permanent meteorological station is working at Massada National Monument approx. at elevation sea level. Measurements of the actual week are shown here. The whole data set is available on request.

INVOLVED INSTITUTIONS

• Institute for Meteorology and Climate Research, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (IMK-TRO)  
• Israel Marine Data Center, National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa (IsraMar)
• Institute of Earth Sciences, Hebrew University, Jerusalem (HUJI)
• Dead Sea Works Ltd, Beer Sheva, Israel (DSW)
• Israeli Meteorological Service, Bet Dagan, Israel (IMS)
• Dead Sea Institute, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel (DSI)
• Massada National Park, Israel (MNP)

INSTRUMENTATION
(for more information follow links on instruments)

Long Term
Meteorological Tower and Dust Sampler Masada (MAT)
Meteorological Tower and Dust Sampler Dead Sea Coast (MAP)

Atmospheric Layering
Haze layer formation
Aerosol-chemistry feedbacks

Composition of the Atmosphere
Dust particles / Aerosols
Tracegas monitoring