Ensemble Dust Detection Techniques Utilising a Web-Based Workflow Environment Linked to a High Performance Computing System

Abstract – The advection of mineral dust has implications for crop lands, radiative forcing and public health. Satellite imagery is the only effective way to monitor dust storm events in remote regions and on a national or international basis. The MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) has attributes that make it ideal for such monitoring. This case study investigates the implementation of dust detection algorithms for the MODIS instrument within a workflow system combined with a High Performance Computer (HPC) environment. This new remote sensing workflow system provides a powerful tool to researchers without the requirement to have any knowledge of remote sensing data processing techniques