When enough winds blow across deserts, dust is lifted from the ground and can wind up in far-flung places. Dust storms can result if the winds are strong enough, reducing visibility and causing respiratory issues. So it’s important for scientists to better understand these dusty gales and the potential for pathogens to be transported along with windblown sediments. Researchers at Penn State and a university in Senegal published a study recently in Atmospheric Environment suggesting that the level of fine particulate matter from squalls originating in Africa and crossing the Atlantic has been increasing for the last 40 years, with notable upticks during summer months. The scientists express a need for more instruments—like the international network of particulate-detecting tools they used in the study—in West Africa and posit that climate change could alter the nature of this dusty distribution and could negatively affect human health.
Science Snapshot: Globetrotting Sandstorms
What happens when dust travels from the Sahara to the Florida Everglades?
Written byLisa Winter
| 1 min read
Image credit:Karen Coker / Penn State
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Lisa joined The Scientist in 2017. As social media editor, some of her duties include creating content, managing interactions, and developing strategies for the brand’s social media presence. She also contributes to the News & Opinion section of the website. Lisa holds a degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in genetics, cell, and developmental biology from Arizona State University and has worked in science communication since 2012.
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