On Characteristics of Duststorms and Associated Dustfalls Observed in East Asia in 2004

A joint monitoring was carried out on duststorms and associated dustfalls by scientists in China, Mongolia and Korea inclusively from January to June, 2004. Data was obtained using satellites, aircrafts, and ground monitors. Six cases of moderate dustfall occurred in Chongwon, central Korea, invading from northern China and Mongolia. During these periods PM10 values were 208~559 (mean: 358) ㎍m?³, while PM2.5 values were 35~70 (mean: 57) ㎍m?³. When anthropogenic air pollutants from the Yellow Sea and China moved in, the mean concentration of PM10 was only 152 ㎍m?³, yet the observed mean value of PM2.5 was high at 98 ㎍m?³. Therefore the duststorms consisted of relatively low concentration of fine particles, while anthropogenically polluted air masses contained high concentration of fine particles. During the joint monitoring venture it was noted, contrary to recommended ICAO observation methods, that, each participating country used different duststorm monitoring practices. This emphasizes a need for universal methods for observing duststorms.