Comparative analysis of spatial transport characteristics of spring cold-front-type sandstorms in the Hexi Corridor

In this study, we investigate the spatial transport characteristics of cold-front-type sandstorms with different intensities in the Hexi Corridor based on the hourly observation data from 13 ground-based meteorological stations in the Hexi Corridor, the data in the upper and lower layers from the Meteorological Information Comprehensive Analysis And Process System, and the three-dimensional aerosol observation data of the Vertical Feature Mask product obtained from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization of the United States. The results show that the influence range and horizontal transport distance of cold-front-type sandstorms in the Hexi Corridor are determined by the intensity, thickness and width of the upper-level troughs and the intensity of cold fronts. Generally, cold fronts pass through the Hexi Corridor from noon to evening and stay in this region for a long time or move slowly, which is favorable to the horizontal long-distance transport of sandstorms. The intensity of the 200 hPa upper-level jets is directly proportional to both the influence range and transport distance of sandstorms which primarily occur on the left side of the exit area of an upper-level jet. The strengthening of upper-level jets induces the formation of the vertical circulation cell at middle and low levels. The ascending branch of the circulation cell lifts sand-dust particles from the surface to the upper layers, and the descending branch transports upper-level momentum to the near-surface. This circulation situation increases the near-surface wind speed and forms sandstorms. The occurrence time and descending branch of the secondary circulation cell caused by upper-level jets are important indicators for predicting the occurrence time and falling area of sandstorms. Dust aerosols are mainly concentrated at a height of 1–4 km, and the thickness of the rising-motion layer determines the thickness and height of dust aerosols. When the maximum rising speed is − 30 × 10 − 5 Pa s − 1 or above, dust aerosols reach a height of more than 5 km. When the height of dust aerosols is 2–12 km, and the 500 hPa and 300 hPa wind speed reaches 28 m s − 1 and 32 m s − 1 , respectively, the long-distance transport of sandstorms over thousands of kilometers may occur.