Researchers from the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, analyzed hourly dust emissions during 136 large dust events across Central East Asia from 2000 to 2023 using a state-of-the-art wind erosion model calculation. The results show that Mongolia has become the dominant source of dust emissions in the region, with its contribution increasing from 43% in the early 2000s to 53% in recent years. After two decades of decline, regional dust storm activity has rebounded sharply after 2021 due to stronger winds, vegetation degradation, and soil drying. The study provides new insights into the changes of Central East Asia dust activity and underscores the urgent need for cross-border dust monitoring and early warning systems. The findings were published in Science China Earth Sciences.

A recent study published in National Science Review has estimated the global biological nitrogen fixation from natural terrestrial ecosystems as 78.2–89.8 Tg N yr^-1, revealing an underestimation of this flux up to ~18% in existing Earth System Models (ESMs). The findings suggest many ESMs may overstate the nitrogen limitation or vegetation internal nitrogen recycling efficiency.

A recent study published in National Science Review, reveals that continuously increasing greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions will significantly amplify the risk of extreme dry-hot in North America and Europe by enhancing land-air coupling. This study highlights the critical role of regional climate feedbacks under global warming.