Abstract
Barren ground and sites with low coverage by vegetation (e.g., dunes, soil surfaces, dry lakes, and riverbeds) are the main source areas of sand and dust storms (SDS). The understanding of causes, processes (abrasion, deflation, transport, deposition), and influencing factors of sandy and dusty particles moving by wind both in the boundary layer and in the atmosphere are basic prerequisites to distinguish between SDS. Dust transport in the atmosphere modulates radiation, ocean surface temperature, climate, as well as snow and ice cover. The effects of airborne particles on land are varied and can cause advantages and disadvantages, both in source areas and in sink or deposition areas, with disturbances of natural environments and anthropogenic infrastructure. Particulate matter in general and SDS specifically can cause severe health problems in human respiratory and other organs, especially in children. Economic impacts can be equally devastating, but the costs related to SDS are not thoroughly studied. The available data show huge economic damages caused by SDS and by the mitigation of their effects. Management of SDS-related hazards utilizes remote sensing techniques, on-site observations, and protective measures. Integrated strategies are necessary during both the planning and monitoring of these measures. Such integrated strategies can be successful when they are developed and implemented in close cooperation with the local and regional population and stakeholders.
Highlights
Long-term studies of the hurricane seasons over the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Southeastern USA show that less dusty seasons and years over the Atlantic promote hurricanes, as was the case in 2005, 2008, 2017, while in 2006 a higher amount of Sahara dust in the atmosphere over the Atlantic prevented the formation of major hurricanes (DMG—Deutsche Meteorologische Gesellschaft 2008)
If the evaporation exceeds the water inflow, these water bodies desiccate and the exposed lake beds act as sources of salty sand and dust storms
The Syr-Darya River valley is among the areas most affected by sand and dust storms in Kazakhstan
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. One objective of this article is to present a fundamental understanding of the prerequisites, processes, and main effects of aeolian sand and dust on sources and sinks in terrestrial and marine areas. Another objective is to summarize the existing knowledge regarding dust and sand storm effects on the environment and human health and to provide some examples of economic evaluations from the literature. It reptation, is possiblecaused to characterize moving particles creep and saltaIt is possible to separate the aeolian (wind-caused) particle movement intoasfour tion as gravel and sand, and moving particles by short-term and long-term suspension process-related phases: abrasion, deflation, transport, and deposition silt and clay.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
