Analysis of the Severe Dust Process and Its Impact on Air Quality in Northern China

Extreme meteorological events can influence air quality. In March 2021, northern China experienced a severe dust event, leading to widespread quality deterioration. Using reanalysis datasets and station data, we investigate the synoptic weather patterns, transport characteristics, associated impacts on during this event. The results are as follows. (1) event is closely linked Mongolian cyclone, providing favorable conditions for emission long-distance transport. (2) Gobi Desert in Mongolia primary source, with particles transported from via northwesterly flow. Dust exhibits complex three-dimensional structure, most intense at approximately 2500 m altitude. (3) impact of was characterized by its remarkable intensity, extensive spatial coverage, prolonged duration. Additionally, 58.8% stations pollution, 36.3% them reached pollution levels or higher, 35.9% sites more than 12 h pollution. (4) visibility near source rapidly decreases due solid particles. contrast, southern stations, higher moisture content, primarily affected liquid terms visibility. After frontal passage, wet deposition precipitation process gradually improves