Dust storms in China increasing since 1998, impacting multiple regions.
The study looked at dust storms in China from 1954 to 2000. Dust storms happen most often in South Xinjiang and the Hexi Region. Dust storms mainly occur in dry areas in Northern China, while blowing dust and floating dust happen in nearby regions too. Dust storm frequency decreased from 1954 to 2000 but increased after 1998. Dust storms usually occur in April, with the most in the afternoon. The South Xinjiang Region has the most dust storms, while the Hexi Region has the most blowing dust. Dust storms happen earlier in Qinghai-Xizang and later in Xinjiang.
