Coupled dynamics of Dust storms and vegetation: A mathematical approach to restoration

Abstract

Dust storms significantly threaten ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. Understanding its interactions with plant biomass and revegetation initiatives is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies. In this study, we present a dynamic Dust Storms-Plant Biomass-Revegetation (SPR) model based on a system of differential equations to explore the relationships among dust storms, vegetation growth, and revegetation activities. The model incorporates key ecological and environmental factors, such as wind effects, logistic growth, Allee thresholds, and saturation dynamics, to reflect real-world complexities. Dust accumulation adversely affects plant health by obstructing photosynthetic processes, whereas vegetation helps reduce dust storms by acting as a natural filter. Revegetation initiatives further enhance the ecosystem's ability to stabilize dust levels and promote plant growth. This study investigates the thresholds and tipping points within the ecosystem that determine its trajectory toward recovery or collapse. Through analytical and numerical methods, we assess the impact of environmental parameters and management strategies on system dynamics. The findings reveal the critical role of vegetation and revegetation in mitigating dust storms and underscore the importance of considering wind, saturation effects, and natural depletion rates in environmental planning. This research provides actionable insights into balancing ecological restoration efforts with dust storm management, contributing to sustainable development goals.