The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Sand and Dust Storm Warning System: An Effective Aid in Reducing Adverse Effects on Health

摘要

During sand and desert storms, large amounts of dust are mobilized and may be transported thousands kilometers away from desert sources. Suspended dust generates semi-permanent patterns of local and regional scales that persist in the atmosphere for several days. For regions in the desert neighborhoods, sand and dust storms represent serious natural hazard. Impacts on health include respiratory and cardio-vascular problems and eye infections. In some endemic regions, dust carries spores that cause diseases such as the valley fever. Through the intercontinental dust transport, dust can also efficiently carry bacteria and viruses. Advanced numerical dust models provide today rather accurate dust concentration predictions for several days in advance. Dust models use satellite and ground-based observations in order to specify geographic distribution of dust sources and soil conditions. Dust predictions support reducing risks to human and animal health. This article describes the WMO Sand and Dust Warning System and its implementation, as well as model products tailored to different users.