The transport and deposition of dust and its impact on phytoplankton growth in the Yellow Sea

Observed surface PM10 mass concentrations and weather records, satellite-derived aerosol and ocean color data, dust simulations, and a backward trajectory analysis were used to investigate a severe dust storm episode during 19–22 March 2010 and its impact on phytoplankton growth in the Yellow Sea. The observed PM10 concentrations and weather records showed that heavy dust pollution occurred along the transport pathway. The high MODIS AOD regions were consistent with the simulated high dust emission and deposition regions. Based on the CALIPSO satellite observations, the high dust aerosol layer was below 2 km above ground, indicating the dust transported to the sea was centered within the lower layer. The model simulation estimated that the total deposition flux over the southern Yellow Sea during 19–22 March 2010 was about 1.5 g m−2. Consequently, the chlorophyll a concentration was calculated to have increased four-fold. Ten to thirteen days later, a phytoplankton bloom occurred. The iron deposited by the severe dust episode could have increased the chlorophyll a concentration in the southern Yellow Sea by 10–68%. Our results suggest that severe dust storms containing readily bioavailable nutrients may enhance phytoplankton growth in the southern Yellow Sea.