Generation, Characterization and Transport of Owens (Dry) Lake Dusts

摘要

The concentrations of windblown PM-10 dust generated from the surface of OwensLake are among the highest found in the United States. The dust is generated by the grinding action of sand particles, broken crust, and other debris on the salt and silt components of the lake bed. Under certain meteorological conditions, the lake bed forms a hard crust that is initially resistant to abrasion by sand, but continued erosion eventually destroys it. The particle sizes in the windblown dust are finer than typical soil-based PM-10 particles. The small particle size and the topographical constraints of the Owens Valley allows Owens Lake dust to be transported long distances to the north and south. Owens Lake dust impacts the Schulman Grove Ancient Bristlecone Pine forest and the Naval Air Weapons Center at China Lake, among other areas.