Marcel Snels

Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Marcel Snels is an atmospheric physicist whose research centers on aerosol vertical distribution, optical properties, and their climatic impacts, particularly over the Sahel region of Africa. His major contribution lies in characterizing the seasonal and inter-annual variability of aerosol layers—such as dust and biomass burning plumes—using a combination of ground-based micro-lidar systems and satellite observations. His most cited work, "Variability of aerosol vertical distribution in the Sahel" (2010), has garnered 49 citations and provides critical insights into how different aerosol types evolve over the Sahelian belt, influencing regional climate and air quality. By integrating data from lidar stations in Niger, Mali, and Senegal, Snels has helped build a foundational understanding of aerosol transport and vertical structure in a data-sparse region. His research is instrumental for improving climate models and satellite retrieval algorithms, making him a key figure in aerosol–climate interaction studies. Snels’ work exemplifies the power of combining ground-based and spaceborne observations to unravel complex atmospheric processes in vulnerable ecosystems.