Spatial distribution of dust deposition during dust storms in Cele Oasis, on the southern margin of the Tarim Basin

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Cele Oasis, located in the southern margin of the Tarim Basin and in the northern foot plain of the Kunlun Mountains, has suffered serious dust storm disasters. To identify the spatial distribution of dust deposition in the oasis, dust samples were collected at eight sites using passive dry samplers, and dust deposition rates and particle sizes were measured. Results indicated that with wind blowing in a single direction, dust deposition rates increased windward from the outside of the oasis to the margin, and decreased gradually leeward; with wind blowing in a single directions, the windward margins had higher deposition rates than the other regions. Fine particles of <70 µm were deposited preferentially inside the oasis, where the mean grain size is larger than outside the oasis. The oasis protection system at the margin had a mechanical obstruction effect extending about 2 km from the oasis edge to its exterior, enhancing dust deposition through reducing wind speed. The wind speed recovery, due to the decrease in roughness on the leeward side of the oasis, suppressed deposition of fine particles, resulting in minimum deposition rates and larger mean grain sizes on that side. Although a small amount of harmful dust (such as PM2.5 and PM10) was deposited during the dust storms, these particles are thought remain in the environment for long periods and prove harmful to human health.