Characteristics of the Gobi desert and their significance for dust emissions in the Ala Shan Plateau (Central Asia): An experimental study

Using intact samples of Gobi surfaces, we conducted wind tunnel experiments and related analyses to describe the surface characteristics of Gobi deserts and their significance for dust emissions in the Ala Shan Plateau, an area of Central Asia with high dust emissions. Under relatively high wind velocities (22 m s−1), the total sediment transport approached 700 g m−2, with the fine fractions (<50 μm in diameter) accounting for up to 26 g m−2. In consecutive experiments, the emission rates decreased greatly due to depletion of erodible particles. In the Ala Shan Plateau, coverage by gravels varied, and aeolian sediment transport increased with increasing gravel cover (to about 30%); above that level, transport decreased. Because gravel cover was less than 30% in most areas, the gravel may not play important role in dust emissions in this region. Although the Gobi surfaces are covered by gravel, high clay contents that may restrain sediment transport. In the Ala Shan Plateau, dust emissions therefore appear to be controlled mainly by the availability of fine particles, which is in turn controlled by their deposition by ephemeral streams, by their creation via physical, salt, and chemical weathering, and by other processes such as aeolian abrasion.

► In Gobi area during a dust storm the emission rates approached 26 g m−2.
► The emission rates decreased greatly due to depletion of erodible particles.
► The gravel cover limitation was about 30% for dust emission rate increases.
► In Gobi area the gravel may not play the most important role in dust emissions.
► In Gobi area dust emissions to be controlled by availability of fine particles.