Measurements of dust deposition in Gansu Province, China, 1986–2000

Dust samples, collected monthly for 15 years from 50 urban sites in 10 cities in Gansu Province, China, provide information on modern rates of dust deposition in the desert and Gobi areas and in the Loess Plateau. Dust deposition is highest during spring months and lowest during autumn months, in both the desert and Gobi areas and the Loess Plateau. There is a significant positive correlation between dust deposition and dust event, and an inverse correlation between dust deposition and precipitation. The 15-year mean maximums in the desert and Gobi areas and the Loess Plateau are 498.64 and 327.02 t km −2 year −1, respectively, and the mean minimums are 290.22 and 180.86 t km −2 year −1, respectively. Drought may have a widespread, major influence on the modern rates of the dust deposition.