Dust storm events in Northeast China region by ground-based data and GEOS-Chem modeling

Northeast China is often affected by dust episodes, primarily driven by long-range transport from the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts. This study systematically investigates the behavior and impacts of dust aerosols over Northeast China from 2015 to 2025 through a multi-platform approach that integrates ground-based measurements (AERONET, SONET, and PM monitors), satellite observations ( VIIRS), and model simulations (GEOS-Chem and HYSPLIT). The region is divided into five sub-regions to analyze distinct spatial and seasonal patterns of dust distribution and transport pathways. Results reveal that dust transport markedly degrades air quality across the region, with the western part of Northeast China exhibiting the highest dust concentrations. During dust events, aerosol optical depth (AOD) notably increases while the Ångström exponent decreases, consistently indicating the dominance of coarse-mode particles. Cluster analysis effectively discriminates dust episodes from other aerosol types. Model simulations and back-trajectory analysis confirm the northwestern origin of dust and delineate major transport routes. This comprehensive assessment provides detailed insight into the regional dust dynamics and offers a scientific basis for refined air quality forecasting and management strategies in Northeast China.