A dataset on morphology and composition of saltation-sandblasting dust particles from major Chinese source regions

Large quantities of dust particles are emitted from the arid and semi-arid regions of China, influencing atmospheric processes and climate from regional to global scales. The morphology and composition of dust particles govern their optical properties, reactivity, and transport behavior; thus, accurate single-particle information is essential for improving model representations and understanding their environmental effects. Here, we present the Dust Morphology and Composition from China’s Source Regions (DMC-China) dataset. The dataset includes 541,074 individual dust particles generated via saltation-sandblasting processes from 55 surface soils collected from major dust source regions. The samples represent surface cover types, including gobi (gravel/desert pavement), sand dune, saline, desertified grassland and alluvial sediment surfaces. The particles were analyzed using computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (CCSEM-EDX), and strict quality control procedures ensured consistency and reliability across samples. Provided in accessible XLSX format with detailed metadata, DMC-China delivers comprehensive source-region profiles of nascent dust particle size, shape, and composition, offering a valuable foundation for studies of dust emission, long-range transport, and dust-related effects on climate and the environment.