| What: |
An atmospheric scientist at the University of California, Davis, will describe the Asian dust storm expected to arrive on the U.S. West Coast in the next few days. The dust clouds may turn skies in Northern California white or yellow. The scientist will demonstrate a type of air sampler now being used in China to measure pollutants and at UC Davis to study the contribution of Asian dust to air pollution in the Sacramento Valley. Asian dust storms occur every spring. UC Davis scientists in the DELTA Group have shown that they carry desert sand and industrial pollutants across the Pacific. These aerosols make people sick and kill crops in Asia, may be polluting American waters and could change global climate. This year, the first dust storm reached Beijing on March 20 and Korea on March 21. In Korea, it was said to be the densest on record. Schools were closed and flights were canceled. |
| Who: | Dr. Thomas Cahill, an international authority on the collection and analysis of airborne particles, has studied Asian dust storms for 20 years and was in Beijing during last year's storms. Cahill also led the recent analysis of air contamination from the collapse of the World Trade Center. |
| When: | 1:30 p.m., Friday, March 29 |
| Where: | In a research field on the UC Davis campus, just west of Highway 113. |
| Visuals | Scientist demonstrating operation of air monitor, which is a suitcase-size silver instrument installed in an open field. Pacific Rim map. Photos comparing Beijing on a clear day and a dusty day. Air samples collected in last year's dust storms, which look like 6-inch bar codes. |
| Directions and Parking: |
Take Interstate 80 to Highway 113 North (toward Woodland). Exit on Hutchison Drive and head west (left). Hutchison soon curves right, then straightens. Turn south (left) on the first dirt road after the curve. (Road will be marked with "Dust Storm Media" sign.) Drive on dirt road through open fields about 1/4 mile; look for group assembled at a small instrument building on the right. |