Welcome to IceDust, the aerosol and dust research in Iceland. Founded in Reykjavík on January 20th, 2016, we unite institutions and enthusiasts passionate about understanding and mitigating the effects of aerosols, with a special focus on Iceland’s unique volcanic dust. Our mission is to illuminate the intricate dance between the Earth and its atmosphere, revealing the impacts on our climate, health, and environment.

Our Mission

Our goals are multifaceted, reflecting the complexity of the phenomena we study:

Fostering Collaboration: We aim to enhance cooperation and dialogue within the aerosol research community, particularly focusing on volcanic dust.
Serving as a Communication Hub: IceDust bridges the gap between researchers and external academic entities, facilitating the exchange of invaluable insights.
Educating the Public: We are committed to providing accessible, clear information on aerosols to all, covering critical topics from air pollution to the environmental repercussions of particulate matter.
Expanding Knowledge: Through our dedication to aerosol science, we strive to deepen understanding of basic aerosol processes and advance the field at large.
Our Focus

Our association is anchored by working groups specializing in various aspects of aerosol, volcanic dust, and ash research:

Field monitoring of dust origins
Analyzing atmospheric conditions and aerosol concentrations
Employing radar and lidar for atmospheric monitoring
Investigating the health impacts of dust and ash
Advancing dust modeling and forecasting
Leveraging remote sensing techniques
Exploring dust interactions with snow and ice, and its effects on the cryosphere
Why is our work Essential?

Iceland hosts Europe’s largest desert and Arctic regions, marked by dynamic dust hot spots and frequent volcanic activity. With an average of 135 dust days annually and regular volcanic eruptions, our research is not just academic—it’s a vital part of understanding and protecting the fragile balance of our environment and health.

Join Our Effort

Witnessed a dust storm or air pollution event in Iceland? Your observations are invaluable. Contribute your experiences, photos, and data to our Dust Storm Catalog through email, our contact form, or our Facebook group “Dust Storms in Iceland.” Together, we can build a comprehensive understanding of these powerful natural events.

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