Where is the Dust Source of 2023 Several Severe Dust Events in China?

Abstract Northern China was hit by 13 unprecedented mega dust events in spring 2023. However, a comprehensive understanding of the relative contributions of potential dust sources to dust concentrations in China remains elusive, threatening air quality, damaging ecosystems, and further complicating dust forecasting and warning efforts. The impact of five major Asian dust sources on China and its downstream regions has been accurately quantified using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem). Notably, dust particles originating from Mongolia play a crucial role in downstream air pollution. Approximately 56% (82.7 μ g m −3 ) of the dust in North China originated from Mongolia, while Mongolia contributed nearly 51% (15.9 μ g m −3 ) of the dust in the Korean Peninsula and surroundings. In southwest China, the prevalence of dust was predominantly attributable to sources within Inner Mongolia, China (46%). Due to geographical constraints, dust in the Tibetan Plateau mainly originated from dust sources in Xinjiang, China. Topographic blocking by the Tibetan Plateau and limitations on local dust emissions are further unfavorable to the long-distance transport of dust from South Asia to downstream regions. We also highlight the importance of variation in surface soil parameters in driving frequent dust events in spring 2023. Our findings emphasize the urgent need for collaborative research and policymaking to effectively address international dust disaster mitigation. Significance Statement During the spring of 2023, China experienced frequent dust events. This study undertook a systematic analysis of the spatiotemporal distribution of dust particles. By synthesizing multiple satellite products and numerical model, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the main Asian dust source regions impacting China from various angles. Furthermore, special attention was dedicated to understanding the fluctuations of associated surface land variables in Mongolia. These results highlight the importance of international cooperation in dust storm mitigation.