Dynamic evolution of spring sand and dust storms and cross-border response in Mongolian plateau from 2000 to 2021

According to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 15.3), frequent sand and dust storms (SDSs) in the spring are a long-term challenge to the prevention and control of land degradation on the Mongolian plateau. In this study, MODIS remote sensing data are used to monitor and analyse SDS events on the Mongolian Plateau. The annual distribution of spring SDSs (March to May) from 2000 to 2021 are obtained based on the dust storm detection index. The overall classification accuracy is 85.24% and the kappa coefficient is 0.7636. Results show a decrease in the overall frequency of SDS events, where storm events in 2000-2010 are significantly higher than those in the second decade. The cross-border regions between China and Mongolia appear to be SDS intensity centers, particularly those in southern Mongolia. Precipitation exhibits a strong negative correlation with the area affected by SDS, and the correlation coefficient is - 0.72. The increase in barren and sand contributes primarily to the increase in SDS, whereas wind prevention and sand control projects undertaken by the Mongolian and Chinese governments promote regional restoration. Policies pertaining to cross-board sandstorm responses on the Mongolian Plateau are recommended.

Automated summary

According to SDG 15.3, frequent sand and dust storms on the Mongolian plateau pose a long-term challenge in preventing and controlling land degradation. This study utilized MODIS remote sensing data to monitor and analyze these events. Results show a decrease in the overall frequency of sand and dust storms, with the highest occurrence in the first decade. The cross-border regions between China and Mongolia, particularly in southern Mongolia, are identified as centers of high intensity. Precipitation exhibits a strong negative correlation with the affected area, and efforts by the Mongolian and Chinese governments in wind prevention and sand control contribute to regional restoration. Recommendations for policies regarding cross-border sandstorm responses are proposed.