Abstract
The rate of dust fallout was monitored during a period from August 2009 to July 2011 in protected (closed) and non-protected/open (unenclosed) areas in the northern desert of Kuwait. The dust fallout rates on degraded and protected sites were on average 18.8 and 44.1 g·m-2·month-1, respectively. Higher rate of dust fallout in protected area may be attributed to biologic factors that are responsible for relative abundance of fine-grained sediment accumulations (Mostly silty sand). Wind deflation of fine grained sediment fractions and development of coarse-grained surface lag deposits in degraded area may be accountable for the reduction of its potentiality for suspended dust. The study indicates the importance of the vegetation cover in regulating sediment availability for atmospheric dust emission.
Highlights
Dust storms are common phenomena in many parts of the world, especially in arid and semi-arid regions
The present paper aims at the assessment of the impact of land degradation, which results from anthropogenic activities, on the rate of dust fallout in the desert of Kuwait
It was noticed that the monthly average of dust fallout rate is relatively high within the middle of the protected area (74.1 g·m−2) while in the open area the highest rate recorded at the downwind site (21.4 g·m−2)
Summary
Dust storms are common phenomena in many parts of the world, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. The Arabian Peninsula is one of the five major regions where dust originates [1]. Khalaf and Al-Hashash [2] reported that dust storms were usually caused by the action of strong persistent winds on dry, fine-grained, and loose soil. During the occurrence of dust storms, a complete aeolian sedimentary cycle takes place, namely erosion, transportation and deposition. The rate of dust fallout in the Arabian Gulf region varies from 191 g·m–2·month–1 in Kuwait [2] to 392 g·m–2·yr−1 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia [3]. Al-Dousari and Al-Awadhi [4] indicated that the average annual dust fallout rate for the period from 1st November 2006 to 31st December 2007, in Kuwait reached
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
