Society

March sandstorms mainly from Mongolia

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-04-02 16:54
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The tawny sandstorms that shrouded much of the mainland in a gloomy smog-out in March were mainly from southern Mongolia, an environment expert said in Friday's People's Daily.

The primary damage causer was the gritty sand that blew up in the air, which could be traced to both domestic as well as outland sources, including Kazakhstan and Mongolia, said Liu Tuo, director of desertification control with the State Forestry Administration.

"The sands of recent major storms mainly come from the southern part of Mongolia," Liu said. "They gained momentum while sweeping across the western parts of Gansu and Inner Mongolia in North China."

In April, North China remains an open ground for volatile cold air, a major sandstorm provoker. Meteorologist Zheng Jiangping suggested people stay cautious for potential sandstorm alerts.