Oh no not a Sandstorm!
Those of us that live in Yuma, Arizona have all experienced some sort of sandstorm. I remember one day I looked in the sky and I thought I saw smoke from them burning the fields. It was not smoke! It was a sandstorm on its way. The sand in the sky is a site to see. That day I left for work and told someone to close the window in our kitchen. They forgot to close the window and when I got home there was sand everywhere in my kitchen! It was such a mess to clean up. I know now to close my windows myself!
What causes a sandstorm?
Sandstorms are caused by strong winds blowing over loose soil or sand. They pick up so much of that material that visibility is reduced. In desert regions at certain times of the year, sandstorms become more frequent. This happens because the strong heating of the air over the desert causes the lower atmosphere to become unstable. This instability mixes higher winds in the middle troposphere downward, producing stronger winds at the surface. I know some people refer to sandstorms as "dust storms".
What causes a sandstorm?
Sandstorms are caused by strong winds blowing over loose soil or sand. They pick up so much of that material that visibility is reduced. In desert regions at certain times of the year, sandstorms become more frequent. This happens because the strong heating of the air over the desert causes the lower atmosphere to become unstable. This instability mixes higher winds in the middle troposphere downward, producing stronger winds at the surface. I know some people refer to sandstorms as "dust storms".
Whoa!
Facts about sandstorms:
They can be seen as solid walls of sand that are up to 5,000 feet high.
Similar dust storms from wind borne particles can be found on the planet Mars.
In the United States of America, sandstorms are very rare due to the lack of large deserts, the development of proper agricultural techniques, and the common cloud cover, which will block out some of the sun's heat.
Deforestation, excessive cultivation of farmland, over-grazing and excessive use of water resources can cause sandstorms.
Special air filters can be installed in your car to prevent sand from getting into the engine.
In order to protect yourself from sandstorm you can wear protective goggles/suits.
In Kuwait, the month of April is known as 'sandstorm month'.
Sandstorms that come from Northern Africa and drift across Europe are called 'Sahara Sand Storms'.
Problems caused by sandstorms:
A devastating sandstorm known as The Dust Bowl of the 1930s lasted about a decade. Its primary area of impact was on the southern Plains. The agricultural devastation helped to lengthen the Depression whose effects were felt worldwide.
Sandstorms can interfere with travel, and sometimes obliterates entire roads, and dry, flat regions, such as parts of the western United Sates.
Sand storms can cause hacking coughs, and the sand and dust have also been known to be capable of carrying 'infectious diseases'. Sand particles, unlike dust ones, will clog air passages, and cause the person who breathes them in to choke. Dust particles may simply cause an allergic reaction!
http://library.thinkquest.org/
Similar dust storms from wind borne particles can be found on the planet Mars.
In the United States of America, sandstorms are very rare due to the lack of large deserts, the development of proper agricultural techniques, and the common cloud cover, which will block out some of the sun's heat.
Deforestation, excessive cultivation of farmland, over-grazing and excessive use of water resources can cause sandstorms.
Special air filters can be installed in your car to prevent sand from getting into the engine.
In order to protect yourself from sandstorm you can wear protective goggles/suits.
In Kuwait, the month of April is known as 'sandstorm month'.
Sandstorms that come from Northern Africa and drift across Europe are called 'Sahara Sand Storms'.
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| Dust Bowl 1930 |
Problems caused by sandstorms:
A devastating sandstorm known as The Dust Bowl of the 1930s lasted about a decade. Its primary area of impact was on the southern Plains. The agricultural devastation helped to lengthen the Depression whose effects were felt worldwide.
Sandstorms can interfere with travel, and sometimes obliterates entire roads, and dry, flat regions, such as parts of the western United Sates.
Sand storms can cause hacking coughs, and the sand and dust have also been known to be capable of carrying 'infectious diseases'. Sand particles, unlike dust ones, will clog air passages, and cause the person who breathes them in to choke. Dust particles may simply cause an allergic reaction!
http://library.thinkquest.org/
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