Dynamic and Thermal Analysis of Sandstorm Processes Based on Vertical Observation Data

Abstract. The Taklamakan Desert (TD) is a key source of dust storms in East Asia, frequently impacting China and neighboring countries. Based on dual-gradient observational experiments in the central and peripheral regions of the TD, combined with ERA5 data and HYSPLIT analysis, eight dust storms from April to June 2024 were studied. The findings include: (1) Dust storm trajectories in the TD fall into three types: (a) east-to-west movement, (b) transport across the Tianshan and Pamir Mountains, and (c) west-to-east movement driven by thermal factors in summer. (2) Spring dust storms (March–April) are dominated by dynamic factors, while summer storms (May–June) are influenced by thermal factors. Significant pressure and temperature changes 12–6 hours before a storm provide a critical prediction window. (3) Horizontal dust flux (Q) at XiaoTang (peripheral region) follows a parabolic pattern, while at TaZhong (central region), terrain plays a key role. High Q values result in larger fluctuations, while low Q values show relative stability. Seasonal temperature differences, convective intensity, and flat terrain drive alternating wind speed trends at XiaoTang before storms, with stronger fluctuations observed in summer due to rising temperatures.