Model study of atmospheric particulates during dust storm period in March 2010 over East Asia

► Particulates during Asian dust storms in March 2010 were numerically investigated. ► Model validation demonstrated RAQMS was able to predict PM10 and dust aerosols. ► The dust storm in March 2010 was unique in the past decades. ► This dust storm exerted great impact on south China, as far as the Pearl River Delta. ► Dust emission, dry and wet depositions in March 2010 were 110.4 Mt, 48.7 Mt and 26.5 Mt.