Environmental characteristics of sandstorm of Minqin Oasis in China for recent 50 years

Article type: Research Article

Authors: ZHANG, Ke-cun | QU, Jian-jun | ZU, Rui-ping | FANG, Hai-yan

Affiliations: Key Laboratory of Desert and Desertification, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China

Note: [] Corresponding author. E-mail: kecunzh@hotmail.com

Abstract: The purpose of this present study is to investigate the frequency and variation of sandstorm in Minqin Oasis. Using daily observational data of sandstorm and other meteorologic data from 1954 to 2000, we have illuminated the relationship between sandstorm, meteorological parameters and human activities. The results of the analysis show that the highest frequency of sandstorms occurrence and their duration mainly focus on March, April and May, especially in April. Most of sandstorms occur from midday to nightfall, but relative few appear from midnight to forenoon, which apparently correlates to the daily variations of atmospheric thermal stability within atmospheric boundary layer. Monthly mean and annual mean duration of sandstorms coincide well with the frequencies of sandstorm occurrence.

Keywords: Minqin Oasis, sandstorm, environmental characteristics

Journal: Journal of Environmental Sciences, vol. 17, no. 5, pp. 857-860, 2005