Correlation of Dust Storms in China with Chlorophyll a Concentration in the Yellow Sea between 1997-2007

Based on daily observation data at 222 meteorological stations in China, the characteristics of dust storms between 1997 and 2007 were examined. Next, the relationship between dust events and chlorophyll (Chl) a concentration in the Yellow Sea was investigated. There were six regions with high annual frequencies of dust storms. The seasonal distribution of dust storms showed spatiotemporal variation. The six regions with highest annual frequencies also exhibited high frequencies of dust storms in spring. Dust storms in most regions occurred in spring. Of all dust storms in China, sixty-five percent of all dust storms occurred during the spring. The area and frequency of dust storms were smaller in fall and winter than in spring and summer. A significant correlation was found between dust events and Chl a concentration in the Yellow Sea. High correlation regions included Qinghai-Xizang region, part of the Hexi Corridor, the western Inner Mongolia and Hetao Regions, and the Hunshandake Desert. The high correlation may be induced by the high ratio of dust storms in the abovementioned regions that arrive over the Yellow Sea, as inferred through a forward trajectory analysis; especially notable is dust transported at a lower altitude (< 3 km).