المملكة: "Rotating dust plumes"…an atmospheric phenomenon created by the temperature of the Earth’s surface

Dust whirlwinds, known locally as…"Dust swirls"from Local weather phenomena common in desert and open areas during Summer season, as it is formed as a result of the significant rise in Earth’s surface temperatures, and the accompanying upward air currents that rotate around a vertical axis, stirring up sand and dust and raising them to varying heights.

The Association "Horizons" For Astronomy Barjas Al-Fulaih, told the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), that a dust tornado is a short-lived phenomenon whose size and intensity of activity changes depending on the nature of Earth surface and the type of soil, as it is formed in the form of a rotating column of sand and dust that moves for limited distances before gradually disappearing.

Air vortex

Al-Falih stated that this phenomenon is formed as a result of the high temperature of the air in contact with the surface of the earth compared to the surrounding air, which leads to the rise of hot air and the flow of cooler air to replace it, and with slight differences in wind directions, a rotational movement is formed that produces an air vortex capable of carrying sand, dust, and light objects.

He pointed out that the recurrence of this phenomenon has decreased significantly in recent years, thanks to the improvement of vegetation cover, through the expansion of natural reserves, the intensification of afforestation efforts, the prevention of over-logging, and the organization of grazing activities, which contributed to reducing the formation of dust tornadoes.

Dust tornadoes

Al-Fulaih drew attention to the fact that dust tornadoes increase during periods of stable weather, and are not usually associated with thunderstorms or weather depressions, unlike hurricanes. Funnel clouds that form inside cumulonimbus clouds and are characterized by their strong impact and wide scope.

Al-Falih stressed that dust tornadoes, although their impact is often limited, may lead to a temporary decrease in horizontal visibility, raise dust, and move light objects, which requires caution, especially on open roads, desert areas, and sites of field activities.

He explained that this phenomenon is considered a seasonal natural feature in dry environments, and the chances of its formation increase during The afternoon and afternoon hours as the Earth’s surface temperature rises, before it gradually weakens as the surface heating decreases and the evening hours approach.

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