Sand and dust storms are incredible phenomena, and also dangerous if they catch you. They can reduce visibility in entire cities in a matter of minutes, and they take quite a while to dissipate.
If you want to know how they occur, don't take your eyes off the monitor because we will explain in detail what these peculiar storms are and why they happen.
Sand and dust storms are generally unpleasant, as they reduce visibility and pose a serious danger on the road. However, they also allow rainforests like the Amazon to thrive , so they have a very positive side as well.
Since a sandstorm is not the same as a dust storm, we are going to see them separately:
Sand storms
Sandstorms are composed of sand particles from arid areas that remain on the surface. When the wind speed and intensity increase, these particles are propelled upwards, potentially traveling long distances horizontally.
These formations are most common in areas with very little vegetation , which allows the particles to be lifted into the air. For example, they are very common in the Sahara Desert and the plains of North America.
Dust storms
The main difference that these types of storms have with those of sand is the measurement of the particles in suspension. In this case, they are less than 100 microns, that is, 0'01000000cm, a characteristic that allows them to be more extensive, being able to make us feel that the environment is polluted. In addition, due to their characteristics, they prevent the formation of clouds, so that rainfall in the areas where they form is very scarce.
The place where they occur the most is the Sahara desert, where the trade winds are responsible for the dust reaching our country, especially during the summer.
How are they formed?
For these types of phenomena to form, a temperature contrast between the ground and the middle and upper layers of the atmosphere is necessary. Since the Earth's surface is warmer, air masses, along with the dust they carry, can reach high levels of the troposphere. But it doesn't end there, as this air needs to collide with cooler air to rise even further; and that's where the cold air in the upper layers of the atmosphere comes in.
Therefore, a frontal system must be present in an area with a warm, arid surface. The cold frontal air system displaces the warm air in the area, increasing the pressure gradient. This, in turn, increases wind speed, reaching between 80 and 160 km/h , causing turbulence. The very warm surface temperatures also generate convection currents.
The particles can thus remain suspended in the air for a long time.
How to protect yourself from a sand or dust storm?
Since these phenomena reduce visibility, you must be very careful if you encounter one . Whether you live in an area where they are common or occur only occasionally, it's important to know how to react so you can escape unharmed.
In the car
If you are driving and you suddenly see a wall of sand or dust approaching you, you can do two things:
- Go through itas long as you can reach the maximum speed allowed without endangering anyone.
- Stop in a corner and wait. It is the most recommended option, but also the one that usually worries the most, since you will soon find yourself wrapped in sand, and you will not see anything for a few minutes. To make sure that nothing is going to happen to you, veer towards the shoulder (or better, get off the road if you can), and close the windows.
Walking
If you get caught in a sandstorm or dust storm while walking, the first thing you should do is put on a mask over your nose and mouth. If you have one, apply a little petroleum jelly to your nostrils to prevent them from drying out.
Once you've done that, you need to protect your eyes. You can do this by shielding your face with your arm or wearing goggles. Keep in mind that regular glasses don't offer much protection against particles; goggles are a better option.
Now, you need to find shelter. The best thing to do is to get to a leeward area (that is, one that protects you from the direction the wind is coming from), such as behind some tall trees or palm trees; and whenever possible, to be in a high place.
And finally, protect yourself from heavy objects that might be thrown around . Use your backpack for protection, or stay as close to the ground as possible.
Sand and dust storms can cause a lot of problems, so it's best to be prepared . Keep an eye on weather warnings for your city so you're not caught off guard.