TEOM (Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance) desert dust measurements in Dédougou (Burkina Faso)

The TEOM (Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance) instrument was settled in Dedougou (Burkina Faso) in March 2012. It automatically measures the PM10 (particulate matter which diameter is lower than 10µm) mass concentrations at the surface (at 2m) at a 15mn time-step, and day and night. The collection filters of the particules have to be replaced every 2 weeks in the heart of the dry season and once a month in the rest of the year.

It is noteworthy that the TEOM instrument requires a regular maintenance on spot. Missions are organized once a year in Burkina Faso in order to insure the quality of the measurements.

This dataset is completely new in this area of Africa, constituting a reference for the validation and calibration of aerosol remote sensing data and dust regional simulations.

Finally, the TEOM project aims at progressing on the knowledge of Saharian desert dust, their relationship with climate and the associated social impacts (notably health).