"Misty yellow sand sky" is a magnificent scenery in the northwest desert, but when it flies into the city, it becomes a sandstorm that everyone hates.
On the evening of April 10, the Beijing Meteorological Observatory issued a yellow warning for sandstorms. This is the eighth dust weather process this year, compared to about 5 to 6 in the same period of previous years.
Netizens complained one after another: "I'm going to eat soil again" "This is a little air mixed with sand..."
According to Chinese weather, the main sources of sand and dust are the Mongolian desert and the Gobi, and its impact affects 15 provinces, autonomous regions and cities, and the southernmost can reach the Jianghuai area.
After the end of this dust process, it is expected to strike again around April 14.
Experts interviewed
Wu Chenglai, associate researcher at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Peng Yingdeng, researcher of the National Urban Environmental Pollution Control Technology Research Center
Why are there so many sandstorms this spring?
"For a few days in March, I felt that the whole of Beijing was gray, the wind outside was 'choking', and the buildings in the distance were almost invisible." A Beijing citizen recalled.
Not only Beijing, "Tianjin sandstorm" and "Inner Mongolia sandstorm sky turns orange" and other topics have also frequently appeared on hot searches.
Fang Xiang, deputy director of the National Meteorological Center, mentioned at a press conference that the sand and dust process was strong in March this year, and it is necessary to prevent the adverse effects of sand, fog and haze on public health in April.
According to Fang Xiang, the sand and dust process on March 19~24 was the strongest and most extensive impact this year, reaching the level of strong sandstorms. Gale, sand and dust weather caused air quality in more than 60 cities to reach severe pollution levels or above.
China's State Forestry and Grassland Administration revealed on March 23 that the severe sandstorm affected about 560 million people.
"Sandstorm weather is closely related to the special geographical and climatic environment in which the continent is located." Wu Chenglai, an associate researcher at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, explained that because Mongolia in the north and upper reaches of the mainland is distributed with vast deserts and sandy lands, the climate is arid and rainless, and the vegetation is scarce, so every time there is strong wind, it is prone to sandstorms.
Especially in spring, when the strong cold air of Siberia invades the north of the continent, due to the extreme wind speed at the intersection of cold and warm currents, dust is swept into the air and transported downstream with the air flow, causing a wide range of sand and dust coverage.
Poke the video to understand how sandstorms form ↓
Continental sand and dust weather mainly occurs in spring and winter, and the number of sand and dust weather that occurs in spring (March ~ May) accounts for 77.5% of the year.
There were more sand and dust weather in March this year, which is related to two factors: first, the precipitation in Mongolia in 2022 is less than the same period in the past 20 years, and the vegetation cover of the sand source is poor, especially in early March, there was a rare warming weather, resulting in rapid melting of sand in the early permafrost layer, and a large area of exposed surface, which is conducive to sand and dust activities; Second, meteorological conditions are conducive to the spread of sand and dust.
The mainland has long been affected by dust weather, but in recent years, the intensity and frequency of sandstorms have generally weakened.
The wind speed has weakened
Wind speeds in most parts of the northern mainland and southern Mongolia have weakened in the past 20 years, especially in spring, and the frequency of strong winds (greater than 10 m/s) has become significantly smaller.
The surface turned green
Vegetation acts as wind protection and sand fixation. NASA satellite observations show that between 2000~2017, the global green area increased by 4%, of which 25% came from China.
Vegetation cover also increased significantly in the four sandy lands of Maowusu, Hunshan Dak, Horqin and Hulunbuir, as well as in northern, central and southern parts of desert and sandy lower regions.
The soil became wet
In the past 20 years, soil moisture has increased in most parts of mainland Inner Mongolia, North China, Northeast China and Mongolia, and the average soil moisture in major sand and dust source areas has increased by nearly 12%.
As a natural phenomenon, sandstorms exist objectively. Humans cannot wipe out deserts, and therefore sandstorms.
Of course, we cannot leave sandstorms alone, and we must strengthen the prevention and control of land desertification. In this regard, the mainland has made remarkable achievements, such as the formation of shelter forests in the three norths and the treatment of wind and sand sources in Beijing and Tianjin, which have played an important role in improving the ecological environment of the three northern regions.
Sand and dust pose a range of health threats
Sandstorm is a general term for sandstorms and dust storms. According to the degree of visibility, the sand and dust weather can be divided into three categories: floating dust, blowing sand and sandstorms, when the strong wind blows up a large amount of dust and sand on the ground, and the visibility is less than 1 km, it is called a sandstorm.
Allergic substances, bacteria, etc. brought by sand and dust can easily cause a series of health problems.
Respiratory diseases
In dusty weather, inhalable particulate matter in the air increases, which can easily enter the respiratory tract, causing acute and chronic respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and emphysema.
Once chronic cough with sputum or shortness of breath, episodic wheezing and chest pain occur, it is necessary to seek medical attention as soon as possible and carry out corresponding treatment under the guidance of medical staff.
Eye and skin allergies
The surface of these particles adsorbs a variety of harmful pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, resulting in a greater chance of spreading infectious diseases. The harm to the eyes and skin is mainly manifested as tearing, dry eyes, dry skin, etc.
If you feel pain in the eye, irritation and tearing, redness of the eyeball, and it cannot be relieved after rest, it may be that a foreign body of sand and dust has entered the eye.
It is recommended to rest with eyes closed, avoid frequent eye movements, and rinse with artificial tears if necessary. If it still does not relieve, you should see a doctor promptly.
Take precautions to reduce sand and dust damage
March ~ May is the "main battlefield" of strong wind and sand, pay attention to the latest news about high wind, sand and dust, so as to prevent it in time.
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Increase air humidity indoors
Keep doors and windows closed, and humidifiers can be used to increase indoor air humidity and promote indoor particulate settling.
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Avoid outdoor activities as much as possible
Sand and dust weather can easily lead to allergies, respiratory system and other diseases, and it is still necessary to avoid outdoor activities for a few days after the dust weather has passed (especially the next day).
Go out to do a good job of personal protection, it is best to wear dust masks, such as N95 anti-particulate masks. In addition, wear dust-proof gloves, scarves, windproof glasses, etc., and apply skin care products to the skin to reduce the damage of sand and dust to the skin, mouth and nose.
When you go home, wash the remaining dust on your skin, eyes, mouth and nose.
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Go outside and avoid dangerous facilities
Outside, stay away from buildings, street trees, billboards, and fences on construction sites, which can easily be blown down in windy weather and should be avoided as much as possible.
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By public transport
When traveling, try to take public transportation such as the subway and avoid cycling. If driving, it is recommended to reduce the speed and stay away from large trucks.
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Hydrate more
Dry sand, dry throat, lack of water in the body, etc., drink more water, eat more fruits and vegetables, can increase the water content in the body, replenish the lost water. ▲
Editor of this issue: Yang Meng
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