Sandstorms

A sandstorm is a very strong windstorm that carries clouds of sand or dust, especially in the desert, and greatly reduces visibility. Sandstorms are also known as dust storms. This wind is usually caused by convections currents, which are created by intense heating of the ground, and is usually strong enough to move entire sand dunes. Air is unstable when heated and the instability in the air will cause the mixture of higher winds in the troposphere with winds in the lower atmosphere, producing strong surface winds. Sandstorms can interfere with travel and sometimes black out entire roads. They can be seen as solid walls of sand that are up to 5,000 high. Sandstorms usually arrive without warning and advance in the form of big wall of dust and debris.

In the United States, sandstorms are very rare due to the lack of large deserts, the development of proper agricultural techniques, and common cloud cover, which will block out some of the sun’s heat. Over grazing and excessive use of water resources can also cause sandstorms. Most sandstorms occur in spring and during the daytime. The last recorded devastating sandstorm in American history was the Dust Bowl which caused a depression.

A way to protect ourselves from sandstorms is to wear goggles and suits. People can also install special air filters in their cars to prevent sand from getting into the engine. Sandstorms do not only have the potential to damage possessive items we own but does also has the potential to harm humans. Sand particles will clog air passages and cause the person who breathes them in to choke. Dust particles may cause an allergic reaction. Sand and dust have also been known to be capable of carrying infectious diseases.



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