Sand and dust storm

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Introduction

A dust storm is an ensemble of particles of dust or sand energetically lifted to great heights by a strong and turbulent wind. Dust storms or sandstorms generally occur in areas where the ground is covered with loose dust or sand.

Sometimes, after having travelled great distances, they may be observed over areas where no dust or sand covers the ground. The forward portion of a dust storm or sandstorm may have the appearance of a wide and high wall that advances fairly rapidly. This is a collection of resources on sand and dust storm as a hazard.

Knowledge base

Starting sand storm in desert of high altiude with cumulonimbus rain louds.
Update

Launch of the SDS Toolbox of the UNCCD on the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms (SDS)

The frequency of sand and dust storms (SDS) is on the rise in various regions across the globe. This rise is attributed to factors such as human-driven climate change, desertification, land degradation, and persistent droughts.
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
Cover UNCCD
Documents and publications

Sand and dust storms compendium: Information and guidance on assessing and addressing

The aim of the Compendium is to provide information and guidance on how to assess and address the risks posed by sand and dust storms and plan actions to combat sand and dust storms.
Sand storm hitting the city of Basra in Iraq, 2022
Research briefs

Dust in the wind: Forecasting storms with AI

A new artificial intelligence method could improve the accuracy of dust-storm forecasting around the world
Weizmann Institute of Science
Woman carrying a basket walking through the sandy desert with her livestock.
Research briefs

Danger in the dust! The hazards of windblown dust

Airborne dust not only causes disease, it also menaces transportation on land, sea, and air; disrupts renewable energy systems; transports pathogens and toxic substances; and poses many other hazards.
Eos - AGU
Research briefs

Research team studies source of hazardous March and April 2023 dust storms in China

Dust storms are one of the most frequent meteorological disasters in China, endangering agricultural production, transportation, air quality and the safety of people's lives and properties.
Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Sand storm hitting the city of Basra in Iraq, 2022
Update

Sandstorms are a growing menace, here's how we can minimise their impact

Most sandstorms are natural events, but they are being exacerbated by climate change, drought, land degradation and unsustainable management of land and water resources.
World Economic Forum
Woman carrying a basket walking through the sandy desert with her livestock.
Update

Sand and dust storm research find answers with AI and ancient knowledge

The Middle East and North African region lose about $13 billion a year because of increasing sand and dust storms. By combining learnings from artificial intelligence and 3000-year-old sustainable methods, researchers might find ways to mitigate damages
Lund University
Update

How high winds whipped dry soil into a deadly dust storm in Illinois: A visual breakdown

Dust storms are created by high winds that lift large amounts of dust and sand from dry soil into the atmosphere. The airborne particles can be blown for miles.
USA Today - Gannet Co. Inc.
Update

Wildfires often lead to dust storms – and they’re getting bigger

Scientists increasingly understand that wildfires are a feature of the natural world. But their impacts can be dangerous and extend well beyond the margins of the fire itself.
Conversation Media Group, the
Sand storm hitting the city of Basra in Iraq, 2022
Update

Iran, Iraq, and Syria to start action plan on dealing with sand and dust storms

The Iranian Department of Environment (DOE) will kick off negotiations with Iraq and Syria to launch an action plan for fighting sand and dust storms in the region.
Tehran Times, the

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