SIZE AND COMPOSITION OF ASIAN DUST TRANSPORTED TO HAWAII

The 1981 spring dust episode observed at the Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii, was studied by particulate size and elemental composition, strengthening its association with Asian sources and establishing its mass median diameter at 1. 0 plus or minus 0. 3 mu m. An average mass loading of 400 ng m** minus **3 was observed during the three peak weeks of the episode (5/12/81-6/2/81) for soil-derived elements (Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe plus their oxides). Elemental ratios remained very constant in this period, and closely resembled those previously reported in North China dust storms. The size and concentration of sulfur particles also remained constant during the dust episode periods, while differing strongly from non-dust episode periods for the 8 months before and after the events.