Dust emission factors for environment of Northern China

This paper gives the dust emission inventory in the Northern China where the climate is very dry and large desert areas exist. Before calculating the distribution of fugitive dust emission factors (emission rates of particles smaller than 0.05 mm in diameter) from natural surfaces with a US EPA formula, Chinese data of pedology and climatology were processed so as to suit requirements of the formula. The computed dust emission factors for this environment of Northern China are shown by contours, their distribution and seasonal variations are briefly discussed. The dust emission rate in the area increases from east to west by five orders. Also, the total amount of the dust emitted from natural surfaces of Northern China into the atmosphere is found to be some 43 million t yr-1, with half of the emissions concentrated in the spring season (March–May).