Dust Storms in Australia

What is a Dust Storm?

Dust Storm over coast of WA.
Dust Storm over the coast near Onslow in western Australia.

 

A dust storm or sand storm is a meteorological phenomenon common in arid and semi-arid regions.


Dust storms arise when a gust front or other strong wind blows loose sand and dirt from a dry surface.


Particles are transported by saltation and suspension, a process that moves soil from one place and deposits it in another.

 


Dust storm at Broken Hill NSW in 1907.
Dust storm at Broken Hill NSW in 1907.

 

 

Dust Storms are a natural phenomenon that have made life in Australia uncomfortable for many years. This photo was taken in Broken Hill NSW in 1907.

 

 

 

 

A dust storm in Brisbane in 2009 during day light hours

Information on Dust Storms modified from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dust_storm