Characterizing dust from National Wind Erosion Research Network sites using isotopic fingerprinting, mineralogy, and major and trace element chemistry

TitleCharacterizing dust from National Wind Erosion Research Network sites using isotopic fingerprinting, mineralogy, and major and trace element chemistry
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Publication2022
AuthorsMangum A, Carling G, Aanderud Z, Fernandez D, Nelson S, Rey K, LeMonte J, Leifi DT, Brahney J, Webb N
Conference NameAmerican Geohpycal Union (AGU) Fall Meeting, Chicago, IL
Date Published12- 9 to14- 2022
ARIS Log Number396966
KeywordsCharacterizing dust, chemistry, isotopic fingerprinting, major, mineralogy, National Wind Erosion Research Network, trace element
Abstract

The frequency of dust storms is increasing globally yet it is often difficult to determine dust sources in mixed events. Dust events are known to negatively impact human health due to particle size and composition but little is known about the chemistry and mineralogy of major dust sources. The National Wind Erosion Research Network (NWERN) has various sites throughout the western US collecting seasonal dust emission samples to quantify dust fluxes. Our purpose is to use the existing dust samples to characterize the isotopic, chemical, and mineralogical composition of dust from 10 representative NWERN sites that are representative of the network and compare with land use, bedrock geology, and vegetation. Preliminary results show variability in the chemistry across the 10 sites related to differences in surficial geology and other factors. For example, the Holloman AFB site had distinct seasonal changes in dust chemistry with spikes in Na, Mg, Ca, Ni, and Sr during the spring months possibly related to changes in wind direction and inputs from neighboring White Sands National Monument. The Lordsburg Playa site had distinct chemistry relative to other sites with high concentrations of Li, Na, Ca, and Sr due to the prevalence of evaporite minerals. The Morton Mandan site also had distinct chemistry relative to other sites with high concentrations of metals Cr, Fe, Co, and Ni, suggesting anthropogenic inputs. Our dataset has implications for quantifying dust sources across the western US and will be useful for mitigating dust hazards moving forward.