Since the spring of 2024, news has appeared in the media every now and then that sand from the Sahara Desert has covered one or another region of Europe. In mid-summer, sand from the largest and hottest desert went even further, literally and figuratively – a large mass of dry, dusty air should reach the coast of America in the coming days. This means that the dust will successfully fly over the ocean and cover a distance of 8,000 kilometers. This means that dust from the desert, theoretically, can reach almost anywhere on the planet.
Dust from the Sahara has reached the United States. Photo source: scientificrussia.ru
Contents
- 1 Why dust from the Sahara spreads across the planet
- 2 Why dust is carried over long distances
- 3 What are the consequences of dust from the Sahara
- 4 Dust storms will occur more often
Why dust from the Sahara is carried around the planet
According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), about 2 billion tons of sand and dust are released into the atmosphere every year. For comparison, the 350 Great Pyramids of Giza weigh about the same. Of this, 60 to 200 million tons of mineral dust are emitted from the Sahara Desert and spread across the planet.
When a dust cloud covers a region, it turns the sky yellowish-orange due to tiny sand particles. This may significantly reduce visibility. The reason is that the air is saturated with fine dust, which forms haze.
Due to a dust storm, the cities of Greece acquired an Apocalyptic appearance. Photo source: www.liga.net
Of course, air quality is greatly deteriorating. According to experts, this dust is especially dangerous for children and the elderly, as well as for people with respiratory diseases and asthma.
But why does this dust spread across the planet? The reason is seasonal changes in wind. In the Sahara Desert, it begins to intensify strongly and reaches its peak in late June-mid-August. A powerful wind lifts large masses of sand into the air. Larger particles quickly fall to the ground, while the smallest and lightest ones travel thousands of kilometers.
Why dust is carried over long distances
During dust storms, dust rises to high altitudes in the troposphere, where the so-called Saharan air layer appears, which is a plume of very dry and dusty air. It contains 50% less moisture than is typical in the atmosphere over tropical regions.
Every year, the Sahara Desert emits 60 to 200 million tons of mineral dust. Photo source: postfactum.info
The Saharan air layer begins at an altitude of more than one and a half kilometers above the sea surface, and its thickness reaches 3-4 kilometers. This dust cloud is picked up by air masses and transported to other parts of the planet. For example, in summer, trade winds, that is, constant winds over the equator, carry dust from east to west, as a result of which it reaches the American continent.
What are the consequences of dust from the Sahara
Dust clouds from the Sahara affect not only human health. They have an even greater impact on the weather. Dry air suppresses clouds and lowers temperatures as dust blocks out the sun. In addition, dust clouds weaken tropical storms by promoting downdrafts. True, this effect is temporary — Storms usually return in the evening.
Dust storms reduce the severity of storms. Photo source: americanbutler.ru
At first glance, it seems that storm suppression — this is a positive effect. However, according to meteorologists, this is the reason for the occurrence of abnormally hot days in regions such as Texas and Alabama. In addition, dust storms negatively affect infrastructure and cause serious economic damage.
Dust storms will occur more frequently
The frequency and number of dust storms has been increasing recently. They arise even in places where they did not exist before or where they occurred extremely rarely. Obviously, global warming plays a certain role in this, which is already difficult not to notice. Every year, temperatures in different parts of the planet break historical records, and by 2080, according to scientists. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, 40-degree heat will become the norm.
The number and intensity of dust storms will increase due to climate change. Photo source: farabi.university
Such rapid climate change suggests that there will be even more dust storms in the future. If you ever find yourself in the middle of it, it's important to remember that being outdoors can be hazardous to your health. Therefore, it is necessary to stop walking, close the windows and drink a lot of water, as this helps the body cleanse itself.
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Finally, we note that the territory where the Sahara Desert is now located was not always so dry and lifeless. Moreover, most likely in the future it will also be covered with lush vegetation. At least this has happened regularly for the last 800 thousand years.