Scientists at the Barbados Atmospheric Chemistry Observatory (BACO) are investigating whether Saharan dust plays a role in the growth of the sargassum seaweed that continues to wash up across the island and the wider Caribbean.

The research was revealed on Monday during a press briefing at the Ragged Point Station as it celebrated 60 years of continuous atmospheric measurements, making it one of the world’s longest-running climate and aerosol monitoring sites.

Professor of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Miami and Principal Investigator for the Ragged Point research site, Professor Cassandra Gaston, said the station has helped scientists understand the long-range transport of Saharan dust to the Caribbean, North America and the Amazon.