Variations in dust-related PM₁₀ emission from an arid land due to surface composition and topsoil disturbance

Aeolian (wind) erosion is most common in arid regions. The resulted emission of PM₁₀ (particulate matter that is smaller than 10 μm in diameter) from the soil has many environmental and socioeconomic consequences such as soil degradation and air pollution. Topsoil resistance to aeolian transport highly depends on the surface composition. The study aim was to examine variations in PM₁₀ fluxes in a desert-dust source due to surface composition and topsoil disturbance. Aeolian field experiments using a boundary layer wind tunnel alongside soil composition analysis were integrated in this study. The results show variations in PM₁₀ fluxes (ranging from 9.5 to 524.6 mg m⁻² min⁻¹) in the studied area. Higher wind velocity increased significantly the PM₁₀ fluxes in all surface compositions. A short-term natural disturbance caused changes in the aggregate soil distribution (ASD) and increased significantly PM₁₀ emissions. Considering that PM₁₀ contains clays, organic matter, and absorbed elements, the recorded PM₁₀ fluxes are indicative of the potential soil loss and degradation by wind erosion in such resource-limited ecosystems. The findings have implications in modeling dust emission from a source area with complex surfaces.