Evaluating aerosol optical properties observed by ground-based and satellite remote sensing over the Mediterranean and the Middle East in 2006

► Yearly mean MODIS and MISR AODs and their temporal variation agree well with AERONET. ► In summer MISR AOD is generally lower than MODIS. ► Over the eastern Mediterranean highest dust loads occur during spring and autumn. ► Biomass burning activities around the Black Sea in summer cause high AODs. ► PM pollution is transported to the eastern Mediterranean by the northerly winds.