Characteristics of dust aerosols and identification of dust sources in Xinjiang, China

Changes in atmospheric particulate matter content directly affect the Earth-atmosphere system balance and climate change indirectly environment ecology. Therefore, this is receiving increasing attention. A typical arid area with a fragile ecological frequent dust activities, Xinjiang, China, was investigated using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) daily aerosol optical thickness Ångström wavelength exponent data to obtain temporal spatial distribution characteristics of long-term aerosols over 20 years. The frequency occurrence calculated accurately identify anthropogenic natural sources, data, such as wind speed, were superimposed quantitatively estimate emissions. factors that influenced emissions are discussed. results show South North Xinjiang obviously different, average depth (DOD) spring higher than other seasons. sources have little variation primarily located Lop Nur, on edges Taklamakan Gurbantunggut deserts, central Tuha Basin, dried-up lakes. mainly distributed farmland areas oasis plain impact fan plain. Natural dominant high spring. caused by production annual account for 8% total Precipitation can promote reduction Topography has an obvious effect formation transportation aerosols, which manifests basin. population density Defense Meteorological Satellite Program/Operational Linescan System (DMSP/OLS) nighttime light reveal, intensity human activities great aerosols. This study provides support research how environmental changes Xinjiang.