Sandstorms Play Positive Ecological Role: Scientists

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, February 14, 2003

Sandstorms Play Positive Ecological Role: Scientists

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Commonly viewed as an ecological devil, sandstorms that frequently harass north China, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan were recently discovered to have a positive effect in neutralizing acid rain.

The results of a research project jointly conducted by Chinese and Japanese scientists showed that sandy weather can reduce the damage of any acid rain in affected areas, despite its harmful influence on local air quality, Beijing Youth Daily reported Thursday.

According to Wang Zifa, a researcher with the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the participating scientists quantified the influence of sand and dust movement on the distribution of acid rain in east Asia for the first time via digital modes.

Analysis of sandstorms and dusty weather from 1999 to 2000 showed that sand and dust rich in calcium carbonate with a pH indicator between seven to eight can increase the acid-base indicator of rainfall in north China, the ROK and Japan by 0.2 to 2.5, which can effectively alleviate the harm of acid rain in those areas.

In addition, sand and dust that contain abundant ferric and calcium ions will also contribute to a sound biological chain in oceans after falling in the ROK and Japan, according to the research results.

Wang Zifa believes that this research may help to bring comprehensive studies of the "natural disaster" sandstorms.

Research results not only overturned the long-existing bias that China should take major responsibility for acid rains, but also proved with scientific evidence that China positively influences acid rains which have caused the death of vast forests and non-arable lands and sharp farm production declines.

It is predicted that the sandstorms in China this spring will be no fewer than last year. In 2002, there were altogether 34 sandstorms in the country.

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