Sandstorm from the Sahara Desert, viewed from space

Launched in 2011, the Seen Infrared Imaging Radiometer Set (VIIRS) aboard the meteorological satellite tv for pc Suomi NPP captured the nice sandstorm that sailed out of the Sahara Desert and is now crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

In line with consultants, the storm in query, If it continues westward, it may merge with a doable tropical storm forming off the coast of Nicaragua.

Nationwide Hurricane Heart made by five-day forecast by merging of the storm chance of Solely 30 % Nonetheless, it’s sure that mud will attain these areas.

LAST YEAR THE STORM WAS MORE STRONG

In line with consultants, the transport of sand plenty from Africa to the Americas is definitely a pure phenomenon that happens yearly.

For instance, final 12 months NASA devices recorded the largest mud storm in the final 20 years.

Saharan mud lined the Caribbean Sea in June 2020, darkening the skies over varied US states, Cuba and Puerto Rico. That is why scientists nicknamed final 12 months’s sandstorm “Godzilla”.

IT HAS BENEFITS AND HARMFUL

On the different hand, it’s acknowledged that these sandstorms have each useful and dangerous results. For instance, the mud mass blowing from the Sahara fertilizes the floor waters of the Atlantic and the lands of the Americas and the Amazon Forest.

However at the identical time, mud clouds close to the floor can deteriorate air high quality and slim the discipline of view by damaging the respiration of dwelling issues.

Bing Pu, a geologist and atmospheric skilled at the College of Kansas, argues that storms will change into extra frequent and extra extreme in the future as temperatures rise and vegetation decreases.