Global mineral dust emissions are estimated at 1000-5000 million tons per year,[8] of which the largest part is attributed to deserts.

Although this aerosol class is usually considered of natural origin, it is estimated that about a quarter of mineral dust emissions could be ascribed to human activities through desertification and land use changes.

[12] Saharan dust can be lifted by convection over hot desert areas, and can thus reach very high altitudes; from there it can be transported worldwide by winds, covering distances of thousands of kilometers.

Due to the trade winds, very large concentrations of mineral dust can be found in the tropical Atlantic, reaching the Caribbean; moreover episodic transport to the Mediterranean region.

[18] Areas affected by Asian dust experience decreased visibility and health problems, such as sore throat and respiratory difficulties.

An American study[19] analyzing the composition of Asian dust events reaching Colorado associates them to the presence of carbon monoxide, possibly incorporated in the air mass as it passes over industrialized regions in Asia.

Mineral dust originates from several sources on the North American continent including the Southwest, the Great Plains, and Alaska.

The study by Routson showed an increase in deposition during megadroughts but used a measure of dust concentration rather than accumulation that is affected by the rate of sedimentation.

[34] They also found that sediment supply played a key role as evidenced from a 60% increase in deposition in the 1800s due to accelerating land disturbance.