Quantitative Estimates of the Effect of Climate Change on Dust Storm Activity in Australia during the Last Glacial Maximum

Abstract

Quantitative estimates are made of the effect of climate change upon dust activity during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), which peaked 18,000 years ago, using present-day measurements of the occurrence of dust storms recalculated in the light of information on LGM climatic change. Dust activity was increased by 57% in northeast Australia and by 52% in the southeast, in relation to present day. Dust storm seasons were lengthened and dust paths were modified. Estimates based upon climate alone, without considering the increased supplies of sediment to dust source areas during the LGM, however, probably underestimate LGM dust activity.