Potential transport pathways of dust emanating from the playa of Ebinur Lake, Xinjiang, in arid northwest China

Publication date: 1 September 2016
Source:Atmospheric Research, Volumes 178–179
Author(s): Yongxiao Ge, Jilili Abuduwaili, Long Ma, Na Wu, Dongwei Liu
In this paper, the HYSPLIT model, driven with reanalysis meteorological data from 1978 to 2013, was used to understand the potential transport characteristics of dust and salt dust emanating from the playa of Ebinur Lake in arid northwest China. Daily air parcel trajectories were computed forward for 8days from an origin centered over Ebinur Lake at 100m above ground level. Air parcel trajectory density plots were mapped for seven levels: 0–100m agl., 100–500m agl., 500–1000m agl., 1000–1500m agl., 1500–2000m agl., 2000–3000m agl., and 3000–5000m agl. These show that potential dust transport pathways have clear seasonal differentiation. The potential transport distance of dust and salt dust is greatest in spring and summer. In autumn and winter, the potential transport of the high-density air trajectory is below 1000m traveling a shorter distance. Potential dust transport pathways showed notifying directivity in different seasons and heights. Southeast in spring and summer, and north to northeast in autumn and winter are the two main potential transport channels of dust and salt dust. Accordingly, dust and salt dust from the playa of Ebinur Lake may influence the atmospheric processes and biogeochemical cycles of a vast region. The main area of influence of dust and salt dust is close to the source area, and will significantly accelerate the melting of snow and ice in the Tianshan Mountains. This highlights the urgent need to combine remote sensing, isotope and other methods to further research the transport characteristics of dust and salt dust from the playa of the Ebinur Lake.



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