More intense sand storms predicted
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-06-30 01:11

North China will be threatened by more intense sand storms in the next 20 to 30 years, according to Li Dongliang, a climatology expert at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Speaking on Tuesday at a young scientist forum themed "Climate Model Systems and the Coping Strategy Against Climate Change," Li said influenced by solar movement and a warmer climate, the intensity of stand storms in the nation's north would fluctuate.

The solar movement will decline as the century progresses, leading to lower temperatures, he said.

This will weaken the intensity of the ground heating field of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau while strengthening the Mongolian cyclone, which will cause the dynamic sand storms.

The trend has been proven by the number of sand storms in recent years, Li said.

China has 1.7 million square kilometres of desert and desertified land, accounting for 17.2 per cent of its territory.

The two-day forum was sponsored by the China Association for Science and Technology, during which experts discussed the establishment of a climate observation system, the development of China's climate model system and the influences of climate changes on ecology, economy and society.

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