French scientists call for samples of Sahara sand in snow
Researchers in Toulouse and Grenoble have already received samples of snow flecked with Saharan sand, as part of their studies
Scientists in France are calling on the public to help them analyse grains of Sahara sand embedded in snow, to test its chemical properties and help inform future weather models.
Researchers in Toulouse and Grenoble have asked members of the public to gather and send samples of this 鈥渙range snow鈥� - snow with grains of sand embedded within it - to help with their analysis.
The study is being conducted by snow study centre le Centre d鈥櫭﹖udes de la neige in Toulouse, and geosciences institute l鈥橧nstitut des G茅osciences de l鈥檈nvironnement in Grenoble.
It comes after France saw 鈥渄ramatic orange skies鈥� over Toulouse, Lyon and Grenoble earlier this month, caused by Sahara sand. The phenomenon this year coincided with heavy snowfall in much of the country, hence the mix.
Read more: Dramatic orange skies in France caused by Sahara sand
Dr Marie Dumont, director of snow studies at a M茅t茅o France research unit based at Grenoble University, : 鈥淒eposits of Saharan sand do happen, but usually later in the year.
鈥淭he intensity varies a lot too, but this episode was intense and spectacular for many people. And this has an impact on the accelerated melting of the snow, which can last from 5-6 days鈥and even] up to 40 days at high altitude.鈥�
Samples of the sand-flecked snow have been sent in from across the country, Dr Dumont said.
The scientists filter, dry then weigh the particles; and some of the samples are kept frozen to allow researchers to study the average size of the particles.
Dr Dumont said: 鈥淎s a researcher it is great to see this cooperation between us and the public.鈥�
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