An upgraded version of the MONARCH model is running since 17 December 2020. MONARCH is the operational model of the Barcelona Dust Forecast Center (WMO RSMC-ASDF) and it is participating in the SDS-WAS NAMEE RC model intercomparison. The MONARCH model is developed by the Earth Sciences Department at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC).

The upgraded MONARCH version includes the following main features:

• Dust emission scheme based on Ginoux et al. (2001)
• New high-resolution mapping of dust sources based on high-resolution MODIS Deep Blue aerosol product

More detailed information about this upgrade and the performance evaluation can be found here.