Mineral aerosol properties observed in the northwest region of China

The aerosol optical depth and Ångström exponent for 2002–2003 were derived from CE_318 sun/sky photometer observations carried out at Tazhong, Hetian, Minqin and Dunhuang, located in the source regions of mineral aerosols in China. The observed aerosol properties, including their diurnal and monthly variations, are given for each of the observation sites. The effects of meteorological parameters, such as wind and relative humidity, on aerosol optical depth are analyzed.