Eolian factor in the process of modern salt accumulation in western Dzungaria, China

The amount and chemical composition of eolian material and the dynamics of the eolian transfer of salts and dust particles in the western part of Dzungarian Basin were studied in the area of Lake Ebinur in eastern Tien Shan (Xinjiang autonomous region of China). The development of salt-dust storms upon the lake drying was examined. Three zones characterized by different intensities of salt-dust storms and located at different distances from the lake were distinguished. The relationship between the intensity of salt-dust storms, the composition of eolian sediments, and the amount of soil salts was established. In the first zone (zone I) with the most intensive storms, the redistribution of eolian material-blowing out, transportation, and accumulation-is observed. Strongly saline chloride solonchaks predominate in this zone. In the second zone (zone II), soils with chloride-sulfate and sulfate-chloride salinization predominate. The third zone (zone III), at a distance of more than 100 km from the lake, is characterized by the least intensity and frequency of storms and the least salinity of soils. In recent decades, the landscape degradation in western Dzungaria has increased under the impact of salt storms.