China's first Sandstorm Almanac' will be published next year, offering an authoritative account of the sandstorms which have taken place in China during 2002.

The newly-established National Committee of Sandstorm Experts is composed of 25 people, coming from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the State Meteorological Center, the Chinese Academy of Forestry, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou University and other scientific institutes from relevant provinces. The 25 experts bear the responsibility of summarizing of year's dusty conditions, evaluating the quality of forecast services, examining and approving the Sandstorm Almanac,' summarizing the implementation of joint strategies to cope with dust clouds and sandstorms, and deciding on measures related to scientific and technological developments concerned with sandstorms.

According to the experts, China's northern areas have been hit by 12 dust clouds during this year's March to May period. Of them, 11 were so severe as to constitute sandstorms. The frequency of dust clouds in 2002 declined when compared with previous years (15 times in 2000, and 18 times in 2001). However, the intensity of dust activity hasn't weakened. Of this year's 11 sandstorms, four reached extreme' levels, while only two in 2001 and three in 2000 reached such intensity. The number of extreme sandstorms to occur in 2002 is the highest in recent history.

Individual dust clouds are also lasting for longer periods - generally two to three days with the longest lasting for more than four. In 2002, ten provinces have been affected by sandstorms, while 18 provinces were hit by high levels of dust particles and dust clouds. The total number of people affected by dusty conditions rose to 490 million for 2002.

Expert analysis indicates that three consecutive years of drought in north China, particularly in Inner Mongolia, is an important factor behind the increasing intensity of sandstorms this year. Additionally, less vegetation cover and a warmer winter in 2001 reduced the level of moisture in the soil. When intensely cold winds meet with dry soil the perfect conditions are created for dust clouds and sandstorms.

(china.org.cn by Zhang Tingting December 28, 2002)