Collaborative research: unique sources of carbonaceous aerosol in the north atlantic basin – impacts of african smoke, dust, and marine emission on physicochemical properties

The National Science Foundation Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences awarded the University of Miami $435,773 on August 15, 2026, under the Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050) to conduct collaborative research on carbonaceous aerosol sources and properties in the North Atlantic Basin.

The research focuses on three primary carbonaceous aerosol sources over the North Atlantic: soil-derived organic matter transported with dust, smoke from sub-Saharan wildfires, and marine organic aerosol including Sargassum blooms. Field measurements will be collected at Ragged Point in Barbados during two field campaigns—one targeting summertime dust transport and one targeting springtime smoke transport. The project will improve understanding of aerosol radiative impacts, aerosol-cloud interactions over the tropical Atlantic marine boundary layer, and aerosol impacts on biogeochemical cycles. Results will inform more accurate representations of aerosol and cloud processes in numerical weather prediction and Earth system models. The research will also examine how organic material enhances iron solubility to stimulate marine productivity.

Performance occurs at the recipient's location in Key Biscayne, Florida, with a period of performance through July 31, 2029. The award supports workforce training through engagement of high school students, undergraduate and graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers across multiple U.S. institutions. No sub-awards are planned.

Abstract

This project focuses on the study of carbonaceous aerosol over the north atlantic basin that is believed to be more absorbing of sunlight than currently predicted. The research is expected to improve the understanding of the radiative impacts of the aerosol and of aerosol-cloud interactions over the tropical atlantic marine boundary layer, as well as the understanding of the impacts of the aerosols on biogeochemical cycles. The knowledge gained from this research will support the development of more accurate representations of aerosol and cloud processes in numerical weather prediction and earth system models. The project will provide workforce training opportunities by engaging high school students, undergraduate and graduate students from multiple institutions across the U.S. The three main sources of carbonaceous aerosol over the north atlantic basin that will be studied include soil-derived organic matter associated with transported dust, smoke from sub-saharan wildfires, and marine organic aerosol, including from sargassum blooms that are an emerging concern in the region. Field measurements of carbonaceous aerosol will be collected at ragged point in barbados during two field campaigns, one focused on summertime dust transport and one focused on springtime smoke transport. The effort will also provide key data regarding how organic material can enhance the solubility of iron that can stimulate marine productivity. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.