© Mike Baker

Camp Bastion, near Nad-e Ali, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

Latitude: 31° 51' 11'' N

Longitude: 64° 13' 12'' E

16 May 2014 1345 (Local Time)

Image P/S code: P.12.2.2

Image I.D.: 4838

• Images & related info Other Images Images of 1987 edition
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  Dust storm

  A dust storm or sandstorm (commonly known as a haboob) is an ensemble of dust or sand energetically lifted to great height by a strong and turbulent wind.

  This picture shows a dust storm in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The dust was raised by the downdraft from a high-based thunderstorm.

  The forward portion of a dust storm often has the appearance of a wide and high wall that advances fairly rapidly, as in this picture. The leading edge of the “wall of dust” marks the location of the advancing gust front. This dust storm reduced visibility to about 10 m and a maximum wind gust of over 50 kt was recorded. Conditions improved after about an hour.

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  © Mike Baker
  Camp Bastion, near Nad-e Ali, Helmand Province, Afghanistan
  Latitude: 31° 51' 11'' N
  Longitude: 64° 13' 12'' E
  16 May 2014 1345 (Local Time)
  
  
  Image P/S code: P.12.2.2
  Image I.D.: 4838
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  Dust whirl (dust devil)

  A dust devil (dust whirl or sand whirl) is an ensemble of particles of dust or sand, sometimes accompanied by small litter, raised from the ground in the form of a whirling column about an approximately vertical axis. Dust devils occur when the air near the ground is very unstable, such as when the soil is strongly heated by the Sun. 

  Links in the image description will highlight features on the image. Mouse over the features for more detail.

  © Stan Celestian
  near Glendale, Arizona, United States of America
  Latitude: 33° 33' 34'' N
  Longitude: 112° 22' 44'' W
  04 July 2004 1550 (Local Time)
  
  
  Image P/S code: P.12.2.3
  Image I.D.: 5434
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  Wall of sand

  The distinct forward edge of the base of the wall of sand can be seen at 1 - 2; it is dark and slightly saw-toothed. The wall itself reaches up to 3000 m and all parts of it are formed of grey turbulent masses of sand raised into the air, probably without any condensation of water vapour.

  The phenomenon was caused by a cold front, moving slowly towards the south-east. The invading polar air skirted the eastern edge of an anticyclone.

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  © WMO (unknown photographer)
  120 km SSE of Damascus, Syria, at 3000 m
  Latitude: 32° 24' 0'' N
  Longitude: 36° 49' 0'' E
  17 April 1951 1400 (Local Time)
  
  
  C_L = /, C_M = /, C_H = /