2026 UC Dust Symposium
Causes, Impacts, and Solutions for Dust Storms in the US
Date: November 16–17, 2026
Location: International Center, University of California, Davis
Mineral dust plays a critical role in the Earth system, influencing global climate, air quality, marine ecosystems, and public safety and health. This 2-day symposium targets an array of participants, including dust researchers, policymakers, stakeholders, community advocacy organizations, and public health professionals. The overarching goal of the symposium is to bring together these groups, each with unique perspectives, to identify and foster holistic solutions to the challenges posed by dust storms. Below are symposium sessions.
- Climate, (Extreme) Weather, and Dust
- Dust Observations, Forecasting, and Physical Processes
- Dust Impacts on Air Quality, Safety, and Health
- Dust, Agriculture, and Energy Infrastructure
- Dust Risk Awareness and Community Needs
- Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
- Policy Response to Dust Storms
Important Dates for Abstract Submission and Registration
Abstract submission and registration will open on June 22, 2026.
Abstract submission will close on September 7, 2026.
Abstract acceptance notifications will be sent on September 25, 2026.
Registration will close on October 31, 2026.
Sessions Description
Climate, (Extreme) Weather, and Dust
Dust aerosols affect weather and climate by scattering and absorbing solar and terrestrial
radiation, and by serving as cloud condensation and ice nuclei. Conversely, dust emissions are
sensitive to weather and climate changes and might increase in the future due to factors such as
increasing drought and aridification. This session invites studies of these and other interactions
between dust, weather, and climate in the US and other regions worldwide.Dust Observations, Forecasting, and Physical Processes
Mineral dust plays a critical role in the Earth system, influencing global climate, air quality,
global biogeochemical cycles, terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and public safety and health.
This session invites studies on the characteristics and lifecycle of dust aerosols, focusing on the
latest advancements in observations, laboratory experiments, predictive modeling, and the
fundamental physical processes governing dust emission, transport, and deposition.Dust Impacts on Air Quality, Safety, and Health
Dust is an important constituent of total particulate matter globally, contributing to poor air
quality and associated health outcomes among exposed populations. Beyond directly
elevating US EPA criteria pollutant metrics (PM 2.5 and PM 10 mass concentrations), dust can also
transport bacteria, fungi, or other microbial pathogens, posing additional risks to human health.
This session invites studies exploring connections among dust, air quality, and human health
outcomes.Dust, Agriculture, and Energy Infrastructure
Agricultural fields are a major source of anthropogenic dust, with ecological implications and
human health implications for local community members. Dust can influence crop productivity,
soil health, and overall agricultural sustainability. In addition, dust deposition can reduce solar
panel efficiency, while wind turbines may experience performance degradation in dusty
environments. Understanding these interactions is vital for enhancing agricultural resilience in
dust-prone regions and maintaining the effectiveness of renewable energy infrastructure. This
session invites studies on the interactions of dust with agriculture, energy infrastructure, and
other fields in the US and other regions worldwide.Dust Risk Awareness and Community Needs
Dust can reduce visibility and increase the risk of car accidents. In addition, dust can be
transported over long distances and contributes to adverse health outcomes for populations both
near and far from its sources. Fine particulate matter can penetrate deep into the lungs, with the
smallest particles entering the bloodstream, causing oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune
responses. This session invites studies that raise awareness of dust risk and address related
community needs.Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
Reducing emissions of—and exposure to—windblown dust represents a unique challenge, since
emissions tend to be less consistent, predictable, and controllable than those from other common
sources of atmospheric particulates. Consequently, developing effective strategies to stabilize
and shelter the land surface and minimize the negative impacts of dust, including adaptation and
mitigation, is imperative. This session invites studies in dust mitigation and adaptation
strategies.Policy Responses to Dust Storms
As climate variability intensifies, dust storms present severe threats to infrastructure, agriculture,
and public health. Changes in government policies, such as shifts in agricultural land-use
management practices, can influence dust emissions and directly affect wind erosion. This
session invites studies of policy responses to dust storms that shift from reactive emergency
management to proactive risk reduction, soil erosion control, and protection of vulnerable
communities from the rising tide of dust.