Intensity of a Dust Storm in Mongolia during 29-31 March 2007

Abstract

A severe dust storm occurred in Mongolia during 29-31 March 2007. Observed meteorological elements and weather situations during the dust storm period were discussed in this paper. A surface cyclone developed over the territory of Mongolia in association with the trough aloft passing through the country. The cyclone generated the severe dust storm over the Gobi Desert and steppe-desert areas. During the dust storm period, wind speed varied from 10 m s-1 to 40 m s-1 and visibilities were reduced to 2 km. Minimum visibilities were 10-50 m in the Gobi Desert areas. Estimated dust concentrations were varied from 151 μg m-3 to 23847 μg m-3 by the Zamyn-Uud equation and 182 μg m-3 to 9111 μg m-3 by the Dalanzadgad equation. The duration of the dust storm was 1-20 hours at various sites per day. The dust storm caused death of a person and substantial economic loss.