Characterization of dust activation and their prevailing transport over East Asia based on multi-satellite observations

Abstract Mineral dust from the deserts and arid areas in East Asia plays a critical role in regional climate and air quality. Based on integrated satellite observations and MERRA-2 reanalysis, we provide an observational insight into dust activities governing spatial patterns of dust aerosols over East Asia. With Moderate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and Ozone Monitoring Ultraviolet Aerosol Index (UVAI), fixed dust-active areas with distinct spatial-temporal differences are revealed. Besides the few dust storms mostly in spring, unnoticeable but frequent dust plumes are found to be the predominant sources of prevailing dust particles over East Asia. Compared with the active dust sources in Taklimakan Desert throughout the year, dust activities in Gobi deserts are at a much lower frequency. The elevated dust plumes are concentrated within 2–6 km over the deserts with large seasonal variations, and can be transported downstream to eastern China and Sichuan Basin within 3–5 days. Moreover, owing to the lack of enough strong winds, these dust plumes tend to be concentrated above the haze layers near surface in eastern China. The intense temperature inversion during winter and early spring can delay the mixing of dust-pollution. Despite a generally reasonable performance in dust AOD, MERRA-2 reanalysis exhibits some uncertainties in reproducing spatial locations of dust hotspots, dust concentration, and transport process. Our results emphasize significant role of the inapparent but prevalent dust plumes in air quality and in climate effects of East Asia.