Which atmospheric dust source in the Sahara is famous for sending particles across the Atlantic?

The Bodélé Depression is a famous Sahara dust source that sends mineral particles across the Atlantic Ocean. It lies in northern Chad, south of the Tibesti Mountains, and is one of the lowest and driest parts of the Lake Chad Basin.

Strong, channelled winds funnel through gaps in the surrounding mountains. These winds lift fine sediments from the former lakebed of an ancient lake related to Lake Chad. The resulting dust can travel thousands of kilometres westward over the Atlantic.

Saharan dust affects air quality, visibility and climate. It also carries phosphorus and other minerals that can fertilize soils and ocean ecosystems, including parts of the Amazon Basin. The amount of dust varies with wind strength, surface conditions and seasonal weather.

The Bodélé is sometimes described as the world’s most active dust source, although rankings depend on how emissions are measured. It is distinct from the Qattara Depression in Egypt, which is another major Saharan landform.