Fewer Sandstorms Expected Than Historical Average
Uncertainty in Yellow Dust Forecasts Increases
Chinese authorities have predicted that the occurrence of sandstorms this spring will be less frequent than in previous years.
China Daily, a state-run media outlet, reported on the 26th citing the announcement from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration of China that this spring, due to weakened cold air activity, improved vegetation growth in sandstorm source areas, and decades of desertification control efforts, the number of sandstorms is expected to be lower than the historical average.
According to analyses compiled by experts from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the number of sandstorms expected to occur in northern China from March to May this year is estimated to be between 9 and 12 times, which is less than the historical average of 12.5 times. This is similar to last year's record of 10 occurrences.
Among these, the number of "strong sandstorms" is expected to be between 2 and 4 times. The intensity is analyzed to be relatively weak. Additionally, while the duration of yellow dust events is expected to be 5 to 7 days, similar to previous years, experts predict it will be shorter than last year's average of 8.2 days.
Experts also stated that the recovery of vegetation growth in yellow dust source areas such as the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region will help prevent sand movement occurrences.
Furthermore, they explained, "Satellite image analysis of Mongolia and northern China shows that increased snow accumulation and higher soil moisture compared to last year have also reduced dust generation." However, they noted that the uncertainty of yellow dust forecasts has increased due to factors such as higher winter temperatures than the historical average and decreased precipitation in Mongolia and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
