Abstract:

This study used the Sen+M-K trend analysis, the gravity center movement model, the standardized regression coefficient, and the spatial clustering methods to reveal the spatial characteristics of the variation, trends, and movement of dust days of various types and the contribution rate of their influencing factors in the Tarim Basin based on the annual data of 32 meteorological stations between 1964 and 2022. The results indicated: (1) Floating dust, followed by blowing sand and sandstorms, dominate the Tarim Basin, showing a spatial distribution pattern of more in the south and less in the north, and the dust days of various types show significantly decreasing trends. (2) The gravity centers of dust days of various types in the Tarim Basin tended to move southeast, and the gravity center of sandstorm days moved the most. (3) Warmer temperatures, lower wind speeds, and fewer gale days were the main factors in the decreased dust days in the Tarim Basin, whereas precipitation had the least influence. (4) The high contribution rates of precipitation to dust days are clustered in the western part of the Tarim Basin, mean temperature and mean maximum temperature in the southern and western parts, respectively, and gale days and mean wind speed in the northwestern and southeastern parts, respectively. This study’s results can provide a scientific basis for developing regionally applicable wind-breaking and sand-fixing measures in the Tarim Basin.

Key words: dust days, gravity center movement model, influencing factor, contribution rate, spatial clustering, Tarim Basin