Sandstorm is a severe meteorological condition commonly observed in desert area. It is characterized by dust storm and violent wind. Sandstorm breaks out when the suspended dust particle in air goes above the normal level. In Sahara Desert, Sandstorm is popularly called as simoom. Haboob is a special type of sandstorm observed in Sudan.

Creation of Sandstorm

Sandstorm usually happens due to change of air temperature. During summer time desert surface becomes too hot due to scorching heat. Wind close to the surface level becomes heated and blows fast causing the sand dunes to move. In arid and semi-arid locality high air pressure gradient increases wind velocity and the resulting thunderstorms creates sandstorm. The vertical stretch of sandstorm is determined by extent of stability of the ground level.

Common Features of Sandstorm

•  Sandstorm winds carries huge amount of dust particles. The front face of the storm comes with a dust wall of height of around 1 mile.

•  Sandstorm affects the ground level most severely. Its effect decreases as it moves up.

•  Duration of sandstorm can vary depending upon its severity. It can continue for just few hours or extend for few days.

•  Sand grains carried by sandstorm wind affects rock surface coming on its way. Softer parts of the rocks are damaged first.

•  Sandstorms result in creation of sand dunes. Strong wind makes the boundary line of the sand dunes narrower and relatively irregular.

•  Due to huge amount of dust particle, sandstorm causes a decrease in visibility down to the zero level.