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From Historical Dustfall to Early Warning of Asian Dust Events in Korea

Article information

J Korean Med Assoc. 2004;47(5):446-452
Publication date (electronic) : 2004 May 31
doi : https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2004.47.5.446
Youngsin Chun, Ph.D.
Meteorological Research Institute, Korea. yschun@metri.re.kr

Abstract

Asian dust is the windblown dust, frequently originating from the Sand desert, Gobi desert, and Loess plateau in Northern China and Mongolia during the spring season. This dust phenomenon is called as "Hwangsa" in Korea meaning yellow sand. Dust can be lifted into the middle troposphere by strong winds in the source regions. In this article, we will overview the historical records of Hwangsa and Early warning of Hwangsa in Korea. The symbolic word "Woo-Tou" was used to describe dust phenomenon, which was defined as a descending substance in the atmosphere other than water droplets. During that period we believed dust as an impetuous order toward king from God. Why dust falls from the sky? Did I do something wrong? The time when we reflected ourselves with modest mind. That was our image 100 years ago. Now Hwangsa is treated as a part of natural phenomena. Hwangsa flew from dried area such as China and Mongolia to Korean peninsular and appears as in yellow color. Particularly, human being's inappropriate management on earth soil makes origin area of Hwangsa to be expanded. Hwangsa, which occurs by overlapping of natural phenomena and artificial factors, causes various problems. To deal successfully with Hwangsa, we should cooperate with each other and expect peace in northeast Asia.

Keywords: Hwangsa; Asian dust; Yellow Sand; PM10

References

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Article information Continued

Copyright © 2004 Korean Medical Association

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