Impact of transported dust on mixed-phase cloud formation at remote mountain sites (MIXDUST)

The overarching goal of MIXDUST is to investigate the influence of mineral dust particles on ice crystal formation, as well as the role of anthropogenic aerosols in altering their ability to act as ice-nucleating particles. To address this objective, the project adopts an experimental approach based on continuous observations of ice-nucleating particle (INP) concentrations and their physicochemical characterization across a network of sites with varying proximity to dust sources, ranging from near-source to remote, more pristine environments.

Although this topic is of major relevance, it remains insufficiently explored. MIXDUST will therefore integrate a wide set of observational data to provide new constraints, ultimately contributing to improved representations of aerosol–cloud interactions in global climate models.

This project is funded in the frame of the Spanish State Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation, with the University of Granada as the lead institution. Izaña is one of the three stations involved in this project.