C. L. McConnell

Papers

Total Citations

222

H-Index

About

C. L. McConnell is a leading atmospheric scientist whose research focuses on the physical and optical properties of mineral dust and biomass-burning aerosols, with a particular emphasis on their climatic and environmental impacts in West Africa. McConnell’s most cited work, "Physical and optical properties of mineral dust aerosol during the Dust and Biomass‐burning Experiment" (2008, 222 citations), presents critical aircraft-based measurements from the DABEX campaign, a component of the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis. This study, conducted over Sahelian West Africa, provided unprecedented in situ data on dust aerosol size, composition, and light-scattering properties, significantly advancing the understanding of how mineral dust influences regional radiation budgets and atmospheric dynamics. By capturing measurements during the dry season in Niamey, Niger, McConnell’s research helped refine climate models and improve predictions of dust transport and its feedback on monsoonal systems. This work remains a cornerstone for studies on aerosol–climate interactions in semi-arid regions, underscoring McConnell’s contributions to atmospheric chemistry and climate science.