Studies on mineral dust focus on its role in air pollution and associated human health, as well as its function as a source of nutrients to marine ecosystems. In addition, we examine its indirect role in providing water to arid environments through aerosol–cloud interactions. Investigations into the health effects of dust are related to dust's influence on aerosol particle oxidative potential, which is driven by dust-borne trace elements that catalyse the formation of reactive oxygen species in the body. These interconnected processes are investigated across the global dust belt, where CVAO provides an ideal testbed due to its location and consistent dust influence.
