Satellite remote sensing of desert dust over continents

Mineral dust can be detected over the continents using the thermal infrared satellite channels. This paper is a short review of this infrared method. The physical bases are described and the dust impact on The IR radiance outgoing to space is quantitatively assessed through both simulations and field measurements. The processing technique of the Infrared Difference Dust Index (IDDI), a parameter of climatological relevance, is recalled. Some results from the latest application of this parameter to the study of dust emission from sources located in arid areas are recalled. At last, some prospects are briefly pointed out, based upon the potential of this parameter.