The characteristics of Asian-dust storms during 2000-2002: From the source to the sea

About 42 Asian-dust storms influenced the mainland and China during 2000-2002. Based on the Micaps meteorology data provided by China Meteorological Administration, the basic characteristics, including the source, movement route and influenced areas were studied for each case. It was shown that about 70% Asian-dust storms that influence China came from Mongolia, and were strengthened during the way from west to east. In 2000-2002, there was about 63.9% Asian-dust weather that might have affected China seas through three different routes. The probability is affecting the Bohai Sea was 27.4%, the Yellow Sea 30.9%, the East China Sea 12.3%, the Korea Channel 20.2% and the Japan Sea 9.2%. Annual dry deposition flux to the Yellow Sea was about 0.13 g m(-2) d(-1), and in spring was similar to 0.20 g m(-2) d(-1). The total amount of dry deposition to the Yellow Sea was similar to 17.9 Tg yr(-1). (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.