Impacts of Aeolian Desertification and Dust Storms on Ecosystems, Economic Development, and Human Health

Abstract

Aeolian desertification has impacts on ecosystems, agriculture, industry, transportation, and human health, and these impacts are caused by wind erosion, sediment deposition, sand-dust storms (SDSs), and fine airborne dust particles. Section 6.1 will explain the mechanism of SDS occurrence based on erosivity and erodibility. This section also describes the seasonality of SDSs, the increase in their frequency from the 1990s to 2000s, and the reasons for this increase. Section 6.2 describes the impacts of aeolian desertification on ecosystems. In terms of wind erosion, windblown sand particles physically injure plants. In addition, wind erosion removes soil and thereby exposes roots to the air. Sediment deposition enhances grass mortality and expands the area of erodible land surfaces; as a result, desertification accelerates. Section 6.3 provides a variety of concrete examples of aeolian desertification in China. Examples show the progress of aeolian desertification and its effects on agriculture, industry, and transportation. Section 6.4 explains the impacts of aeolian desertification on human health in dust source regions and downwind regions. SDSs, which can be disasters, occur only in dust source regions and lead to deaths and injuries. Fine airborne particles cause cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in both regions.KeywordsSand-dust stormWind erosionSediment depositionSand burialDeathDisease