Original and secondary high‐frequency sandstorm zones in the loess plateau region, china

Abstract.

A study of sandstorms in the Loess Plateau and neighbouring areas is based on observations of sandstorms and precipitation. Through analysis of the relationship between the mean annual number of sandstorms and the mean annual precipitation, an original sandstorm zone and a secondary high‐frequency zone of sandstorms have been defined. The latter is mainly formed as a result of human activities, such as vegetation destruction and waste‐land cultivation, and not because of climatic change. The secondary sandstorm zone is located 350–500 km away from the original sandstorm zone, reflecting the fact that the sandstorm zone in the Loess Plateau area has shifted 350–500 km to the southeast, in response to human impact. Some abrupt change has been found in the area where the mean annual precipitation is 270 mm, where the original sandstorm zone ends and a secondary zone of high‐frequency sandstorms begins. This transition area can be regarded as an abnormally unstable area. This study shows that destruction of the vegetation can cause changes in the environment similar to those attributed to climatic change.

Key words:

• sandstorm
• abrupt change
• human activities
• Loess Plateau