Probability and Statistical Analysis of Total Suspended Atmospheric Particulate Matter in Kuwait

Total Suspended atmospheric Particulate matter (TSP) and dust fallout are serious environmental problems in Kuwait. These phenomena reduce the visibility and are also an indicator of the degradation of the desert land. Prevention of TSP is almost impossible, since it is a regional and global phenomenon. For crisis management, due to dust storm, it is essential to understand the statistical properties of TSP like annual range, mean, median, mode, standard deviation at different locations in Kuwait. Also the correlation between TSP and visibility, previous year seasonal rainfall etc. is needed. It is proposed to evaluate the different theoretical probability models and select the right one for predicting the TSP in Kuwait. Prediction of extreme value of TSP for different return periods is helpful for planning of activities affected by extreme dust. TSP data will be collected from Kuwait Environment Public Authority for five locations, KISR and other organizations for as many years as is available. Also falling dust around the Kuwait bay will be measured at 10 locations for a year. At the end of the study, comprehensive results of details of the statistical analysis and the amount of falling dust/year into Kuwait bay will be available, which will be useful for public and private organizations in Kuwait for activities which are affected much by the dust storm.