Saharan Air Layer (SAL)
Climate
Tropical Cyclones
Key Insight:
A hot, dry, dust-laden air mass moving off North Africa that can suppress Atlantic hurricane formation by increasing vertical wind shear and stabilizing the atmosphere.
Core Effects
- Dry air entrainment → disrupts convection
- Increased shear → weakens cyclone organization
- Dust aerosols → affect radiation balance & SST
Visual Mental Model
SAL = “giant desiccating lid” over the Atlantic basin
Links
- [[MJO]]
- [[African Easterly Waves]]