More articlesAllTo forecast

Dust storms in Central Asia and beyond: A powerful force of nature

Dust storms, also known as sandstorms, are captivating and powerful natural phenomena that occur when strong winds lift dust and sand particles into the atmosphere, creating dense, moving clouds. These storms are most prevalent in arid and semi-arid regions, where the wind easily picks up loose soil. Their impacts are far-reaching, significantly affecting the environment and human health. This article delves into the intricacies of dust storms, exploring their formation, regional characteristics, notable cases, and the challenges they pose.

How dust storms form

Dust storms typically form in desert-like conditions where the soil is dry and loose. The primary driver is strong winds, which can be generated by various weather systems, including cold fronts, thunderstorms, and intense heat waves. In Central Asia, dust storms often result from the intrusion of cold polar fronts from areas like the Ural Mountains, Siberia, and the Volga region. These fronts bring strong winds that, when combined with high temperatures and a lack of precipitation due to high-pressure systems, lead to the desiccation of soil and vegetation, making the land more susceptible to erosion.

Soil erosion during dust storms involves the detachment and transport of soil particles. As wind speed increases, it exerts force on the soil surface, lifting particles into the air. Finer particles can be carried over long distances, while heavier ones settle closer to the source. This transportation of dust can have significant implications for regions downwind of the storm’s origin.

Environmental and health impacts

Environmentally, dust storms contribute to soil degradation and loss of agricultural productivity. Removing topsoil and burying seedlings can lead to reduced fertility, affecting crop yields and food security. Furthermore, dust deposition on water bodies can alter their chemistry and impact aquatic ecosystems.

From a health perspective, dust storms pose significant risks. The fine particles in dust can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, leading to a range of health issues, including respiratory infections, asthma, and other lung diseases. Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk during dust storms.

Frequency and intensity

Central Asia

The frequency and intensity of dust storms vary across Central Asia. In Kazakhstan, the number of days with dust storms increases from northwest to southeast. In the southern part of Kazakhstan, dust storms are especially frequent in sandy deserts and river valleys. The average number of days with dust storms along the Syrdarya and Ili rivers is 28, with a maximum of 67; along the southern shore of Balkhash Lake, it is 30 and 103, respectively.

In the northern desert subzone of Central Asia, an average of 20–30 days of dust storms have been observed between April and October. In the southern subzone, dust storms occur year-round. In the central Karakum Desert, the annual mean frequency of dust storms is 60 events. In the eastern Karakum Desert, this figure is even higher at 62 dust storms, and in the western Karakum Desert, an average of 67 storms has been observed.

The duration of dust storms varies widely, from just a few minutes to over 20 hours. In the northern deserts, 40–60% of dust events last an average of 1.5–5.4 hours. More prolonged dust storms, lasting between 5.5 and 10 hours, represent 30–40% of the total dust events during the year.

The Aral Sea crisis

The desiccation of the Aral Sea has led to the formation of the Aralkum Desert, a new and potent source of dust storms in Central Asia. As the sea has shrunk, it has exposed a vast area of dry, sandy seabed rich in salts and pollutants. This area is now highly susceptible to wind erosion, generating massive dust storms transporting salt and toxic substances across the region.

Dust storm frequency in the Aral Sea region has increased dramatically since the 1980s. Weather stations near the former shoreline have recorded up to 90 dust storms annually in recent years, compared to just a handful in the 1960s. These storms can transport an estimated 15–75 million metric tons of dust and toxic salts annually, affecting areas up to 500 km (310 mi) away.

Notable occurrences and regional features

Kazakhstan

Dust storms are particularly prevalent in certain regions due to unique geographical and climatic conditions. Kazakhstan, for example, frequently experiences dust storms, especially in the Mangistau, Kyzylorda, Atyrau, and Aktobe regions. These areas are characterized by extreme temperature fluctuations and geological conditions that facilitate the breakdown of rocks into dust-sized particles, which are easily carried by strong winds. The absence of permanent rivers and the presence of only seasonal streams exacerbate the situation by limiting soil moisture, which would otherwise help bind the soil particles together.

In winter 2023 alone, the Mangistau, Kyzylorda, and Atyrau regions of Kazakhstan were struck by a series of massive dust storms, some lasting as long as 36 hours. The dust storms of 2023 in particular were caused by the rapid movement of a large anticyclone, which resulted in significant pressure gradients and, consequently, an increase in easterly winds, which blew as fast as 16–20 m/s (36–45 mph). Since there was no snow cover in these regions, the intensified winds led to the formation of dust storms. some lasting as long as 36 hours. These storms were triggered by the rapid movement of a large anticyclone, which resulted in significant pressure gradients and an increase in easterly winds (16–20 m/s, or 36–45 mph). The lack of snow cover in these regions allowed the intensified winds to lift large amounts of dust, leading to severe dust storms.

The Mangistau region, known for its continental climate with extreme temperature variations — from over 40°C (104°F) in summer to below -30°C (-22°F) in winter — is particularly prone to dust storms. These temperature extremes contribute to the weathering and fragmentation of rocks, making them more susceptible to wind erosion. Additionally, the region’s geological composition includes easily erodible materials, such as sand dunes, which are readily transported by strong winds. In May 2024, an extensive anticyclone caused winds of 15–20 meters per second (34–45 mph), leading to another forecasted dust storm in the region.

Kyzylorda, situated between the deserts of Betpak-Dala and Kyzylkum, is another hotspot for dust storms. The region’s arid climate and sparse vegetation make it particularly vulnerable to soil erosion. In 2023, Kyzylorda experienced several severe dust storms, with wind speeds reaching 25 m/s (56 mph). These storms, driven by strong pressure gradients and powerful easterly winds, were also the result of a large anticyclone sweeping through the area.

Atyrau and Aktobe regions share similar climatic and geological conditions, leading to frequent dust storms. In April 2024, strong winds and an anticyclone once again contributed to the formation of dust storms in these regions. Historical data indicates that dust storms are a recurrent issue here, further exacerbated by the lack of permanent water bodies and the prevalence of loose soil.

Uzbekistan

However, dust storms in Central Asia are not confined to Kazakhstan. In November 2021, a severe dust storm formed in Uzbekistan, triggered by the front part of a cold polar anticyclone from the Ural-Volga region. This storm struck the central and eastern parts of Uzbekistan, spreading thick haze across the region. The most severe effects were felt in Tashkent and the Fergana Valley, where visibility dropped to 200 m (650 ft) due to the dense atmospheric dust.

This storm was exacerbated by the extremely strong summer heatwave of 2021 in Kazakhstan, where temperatures reached an unprecedented 46.5°C (115.7°F). The long-lasting drought dried up the soil to a depth of 50 cm (20 in), leading to significant soil cover denudation. This event, the worst since 1871, underscores the increasing aridity of Central Asia and the potential for more frequent and severe dust storms in the future.

Turkey

Turkey, particularly its central and eastern regions, experiences frequent dust storms due to its proximity to the Middle Eastern deserts and its own semi-arid areas. The country is affected by both locally generated dust and long-range transport from the Sahara Desert and Arabian Peninsula.

In recent years, Turkey has seen an increase in the frequency and intensity of dust storms. In September 2020, a massive dust storm engulfed Ankara, the capital city, turning the sky orange and reducing visibility to mere meters. This storm was caused by strong winds picking up dust from the drought-stricken plains of central Anatolia. In April 2022, Istanbul experienced a severe dust storm that originated from North Africa. The storm caused air quality to plummet, with PM10 levels reaching up to 811 μg/m³, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s guideline of 50 μg/m³.

These events highlight Turkey’s urban areas’ vulnerability to local and long-range dust transport. The country’s position at the crossroads of different climatic regions makes it particularly susceptible to dust storms originating from various sources.

Brazil

While not typically associated with dust storms, Brazil has experienced notable events, particularly in its drier northeastern region. These occurrences are often linked to prolonged drought conditions and land use changes. The conversion of native vegetation to agricultural land in parts of Brazil has increased soil erosion, potentially exacerbating the risk of dust storms in certain areas.

The semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil, known as the Sertão, is most prone to dust storms. This area experiences irregular rainfall and periodic severe droughts, creating conditions conducive to dust storm formation. In September 2020, the state of São Paulo experienced an unusual dust storm that turned day into night. This event was attributed to a combination of severe drought, strong winds, and wildfires, highlighting the complex interplay between climate change, land management, and extreme weather events.

Unlike the more frequent dust storms seen in arid regions of Central Asia or the Middle East, Brazil’s events are less common but can be particularly intense when they occur. They serve as a reminder that dust storms can affect a wide range of climatic zones, especially as climate change alters traditional weather patterns.

Mitigation and adaptation strategies

Addressing the challenges posed by dust storms requires a combination of mitigation and adaptation strategies. Mitigation efforts focus on reducing the sources of dust, such as improving land management practices to prevent soil erosion. This can include measures like planting vegetation to stabilize the soil, using windbreaks to reduce wind speed at the surface, and implementing sustainable agricultural practices.

Adaptation strategies involve preparing communities to cope with the impacts of dust storms. This can include developing early warning systems to alert residents of impending storms, improving infrastructure to withstand dust-related damage, and educating the public about protective measures to reduce health risks. For instance, wearing masks and staying indoors during dust storms can help minimize exposure to harmful particles.

Future outlook

As climate change continues to alter weather patterns, the frequency and intensity of dust storms in Asia may increase. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can exacerbate soil desiccation and erosion, potentially leading to more frequent dust events. This underscores the importance of ongoing research to better understand the dynamics of dust storms and their interactions with the climate system.

Future research directions could include studying the long-term impacts of dust deposition on ecosystems, exploring the role of dust in atmospheric processes, and developing more accurate models to predict dust storm occurrences. Additionally, efforts to mitigate the impacts of dust storms through improved land management practices and early warning systems will be crucial for protecting communities and ecosystems in Central Asia and beyond.

Dust storms are a complex and multifaceted natural phenomenon with significant environmental, health, and economic impacts. Understanding their formation, regional characteristics, and effects is crucial for developing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. As the region faces the challenges of a changing climate and ongoing environmental pressures, addressing the risks posed by dust storms will require a concerted effort from scientists, policymakers, and local communities. By enhancing our knowledge and preparedness, we can better protect populations and ecosystems from the dusty fury of these powerful storms.

Accurate weather forecasts, weather radar and alerts are available in the app Weather by Meteum for iOS and Android.