Spatial and temporal variations of Yellow Dust source area and desertification in dryland regions of the Northeast Asia were evaluated based on extensive literature review on field and modeling evidences. In overall, Yellow Dust occurrence decreased since 1960s but it increased again in Mongolia and northeastern China after 2000s, the latter of which indicates eastward encroachment of major Yellow Dust source area for the last decade. The phenomena seem to coincide well with recent desertification of Mongolia, Inner Mongolia, and Manchuria. Vegetation cover is evaluated as an important biophysical variable for controlling both dust occurrence and desertification, which considerably depends on both precipitation and livestock pastoralism. Hence, dryland sustainability should consider dynamic balancing between vegetation productivity and livestock utilization under varying climate and socio-economic situations, which requires socio-ecological perspective on sustainable dryland management.

• 강신규(강원대학교 환경과학과) | Sinkyu Kang Corresponding Author