The March 2021 dust storm in China degraded air quality across a wide area of Asia. Atmospheric circulation and meteorological factors play an important role in the occurrence of dust storms. To understand whether decreasing or increasing these factors can mitigate dust storms, this study utilizes remote sensing imagery data from the Himawari-8/-9 satellites to understand spatial and temporal variations in China’s 2016–2023 dust storms. Our findings are as follows: (1) in 2016–2023, dust storms covered northern China, with Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Gansu, and Ningxia being high-frequency areas; (2) the origins of the dust storms are northwest of Mongolia and Xinjiang, with upper air masses originating from Siberia and concentrating in central-west Inner Mongolia and northern Gansu; (3) dew point temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, and atmospheric circulation are important determinants of the occurrences of dust storms. Analyzing trends and influential factors of dust storms is important as this provides a scientific basis for decision-making in dust storm management.

This study investigates the spatial and temporal dynamics of temperature variations across China from 2016 to 2023 utilizing ERA5-LAND temperature data. The analysis reveals pronounced regional differences in temperature distribution, with colder conditions prevailing in northern and western China during winter, contrasted by warmer temperatures in the south. The long-term trend shows a gradual decline in monthly mean temperatures despite clear seasonal fluctuations. Additionally, the quarterly analysis identifies a faster rate of warming during the first half of the year, particularly in the cooler months, while the fourth quarter shows minimal change. These findings underscore the complexity and heterogeneity of climate responses across different regions and seasons in China, suggesting that localized climatic changes are driven by both global climate forces and regional factors.

Aerosols, as suspended solid and liquid particles in the atmosphere, play a significant role in global climate change and environmental quality. This study utilizes global coarse-mode aerosol optical depth (CAOD) data from 2012 to 2021, derived through a deep learning model, to comprehensively analyze the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of coarse-mode aerosols. The findings reveal that global CAOD values exhibit a fluctuating downward trend during the study period, with a more pronounced decline in the Northern Hemisphere, likely due to regional variations in climate change, desertification, and human activities. Spatially, regions such as North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia show higher CAOD values, associated with desert dust activity and anthropogenic emissions, whereas regions like South America, Australia, and Antarctica have lower CAOD values, attributed to their cleaner atmospheric conditions and minimal human activity. The complex CAOD variations in the mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere are influenced by climatic conditions, topographical features, and the distribution of human activities. This study provides critical data for understanding the role of coarse-mode aerosols in global climate change and highlights the importance of considering geographical differences in aerosol distribution in climate change research. The study offers a scientific basis for formulating environmental policies and interventions. Future research will further explore the specific contributions of aerosol sources and their interaction mechanisms with climate change.