Roles of surface wind, NDVI and snow cover in the recent changes in Asian dust storm occurrence frequency

► This study describes the recent dust occurrences over source regions. ► Severe dust activation (2000-2002) and decrease (2003-2004) were well contrasted. ► Higher dust occurrence area has been shifting toward northwest since 2003. ► Highest month has been delayed and secondary peaks were newly found. ► Strong wind speed, NDVI, and snow cover are main factors in dust occurrence.