Dust and Sand Storms

By: Megan, Makayla, LT, and

Eric

Dust and Sand Storms

By Megan, Makayla, L.T. and Eric

The form of the Storm

Dust Storms form when strong winds carry dust over a large area.

During a cold front, convection occurs and results in strong flows of wind,picking up particles of sand or dust and thus making a sand storm.

• Droughts (the longer the dust Droughts (the longer the dust storm, the longer the drought)storm, the longer the drought)

• Dirty homesDirty homes• Death of vegetation as well as Death of vegetation as well as

animals and humansanimals and humans• Breathing problemsBreathing problems

Damages of DustDamages of Dust

Occurs in:• Areas lacking vegetation • Deserts (dry and semi-dry areas)

Worst Occurrences

• China, April 1998- covered 10 cities and many power and water supplies ran out. Some dust blew all the way to the USA.

• The Dust Bowl, 1930’s- in the midwest of the USA. Lasted for eight years. Traveled from the South to the North and caused many farmers to move west.

Most Recent Storm

• San Joaquin Valley, California- happened on November 29, 1991. Visibility was 10 feet or less. On Interstate 5, a huge traffic accident occurred involving 164 cars, 151 injuries, and 17 deaths.

Safety Tips

• If at all possible, avoid a dust storm• While driving, pull off to the side of the

road and turn your lights off. Set the emergency brake and take your foot off the pedal

• If you have to keep driving, turn on your lights, sound the horn occasionally, and use the center line to guide you

• Never stop on the road

• Families were forced out of their homes because of dust.

• People slept with wet cloths on their noses and mouths to keep dust out of their lungs.

• Dishes and cups were kept upside down before meals to keep out dust.

Microbursts

• Small downdrafts• Make winds • More than 280 km/h• Come with thunderstorms• Can ruin aviation

Dust Devils

• Rotating winds• Not associated with thunderstorms• Invisible unless they collect dust or

debris• Form when air is heated by hot weather• Happens in arid or semi-arid regions

Resources

• www.google.com• www.google.com/images• www.Weather.gov

Here’s a video of a dust storm in Australia!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95tmYmeHf84