Enhancing In-situ Environmental Observation to Support Desert Dust Storm Events Monitoring

ABSTRACT Desert ecosystems are highly susceptible to global climate change, with rising temperatures, reduced rainfall, and higher atmospheric CO2 levels significantly impacting their structure and functioning. By combining a network of cost-effective sensing nodes with advanced remote and in-situ data fusion techniques, CiROCCO will be able to cover under-sampled deserts areas, as well as areas highly affected by Desert Dust Storms (DDS) and provide different services to four pilot areas (Egypt, Cyprus, Serbia and Spain). Focusing on the pilot of Cyprus, CiROCCO aims to analyze the interaction between the congested environment in the Municipality of Idalion and the impact of DDS on air quality and public health and eventually provide an air quality Early Warning System (EWS). The established EWS for DDS will be adopted by regulatory authorities in Cyprus and made accessible to the public through a website and mobile application. In conclusion, CiROCCO Project seeks to develop a comprehensive sensing system and EWS for DDS events, with valuable insights for similar areas in Cyprus and eastern Europe