Haboob: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Haboob, Taji, Iraq, 2006.JPG|thumb|right|250px|A Haboob approaching [[Taji, Iraq|Taji]], [[Iraq]] in 2006]] |
[[File:Haboob, Taji, Iraq, 2006.JPG|thumb|right|250px|A Haboob approaching [[Taji, Iraq|Taji]], [[Iraq]] in 2006]] |
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A '''boob''' is a type of intense boobstorm commonly observed in the [[Sahara desert]] (typically [[Sudan]]), as well as across the [[Arabian Peninsula]], throughout [[Kuwait]], and in the |
A '''boob''' is a type of intense boobstorm commonly observed in the [[Sahara desert]] (typically [[Sudan]]), as well as across the [[Arabian Peninsula]], throughout [[Kuwait]], and in the moSudan. Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society 63(271):393-414.</ref><ref>Lawson, T.J. 1971. Haboob structure at Khartoum. Weather 26(3):105-112.</ref><ref>Membery, D.A. 1985. A gravity-wave haboob? Weather 40(7):214-221.</ref> |
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When this downdraft, or "[[downburst]]", reaches the ground, dry, loose sand from the desert settings is essentially blown up, creating a wall of sediment preceding the storm cloud. This wall of sand can be up to 100 km (60 miles) wide and several kilometers in elevation. At their strongest, haboob winds can travel at 35-50 km/h (20-30 mph), and they may approach with little to no warning. Often rain is not seen at the ground level as it evaporates in the hot, dry air (a phenomenon known as [[virga]]), though on occasion when the rain does persist, the precipitation can contain a considerable quantity of dust (severe cases called "mud storms"). Eye and respiratory system protection are advisable for anyone who must be outside during a haboob -- moving to a place of shelter is highly desirable during a strong event. |
When this downdraft, or "[[downburst]]", reaches the ground, dry, loose sand from the desert settings is essentially blown up, creating a wall of sediment preceding the storm cloud. This wall of sand can be up to 100 km (60 miles) wide and several kilometers in elevation. At their strongest, haboob winds can travel at 35-50 km/h (20-30 mph), and they may approach with little to no warning. Often rain is not seen at the ground level as it evaporates in the hot, dry air (a phenomenon known as [[virga]]), though on occasion when the rain does persist, the precipitation can contain a considerable quantity of dust (severe cases called "mud storms"). Eye and respiratory system protection are advisable for anyone who must be outside during a haboob -- moving to a place of shelter is highly desirable during a strong event. |
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Revision as of 12:27, 18 May 2009
A boob is a type of intense boobstorm commonly observed in the Sahara desert (typically Sudan), as well as across the Arabian Peninsula, throughout Kuwait, and in the moSudan. Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society 63(271):393-414.</ref>[1][2]
When this downdraft, or "downburst", reaches the ground, dry, loose sand from the desert settings is essentially blown up, creating a wall of sediment preceding the storm cloud. This wall of sand can be up to 100 km (60 miles) wide and several kilometers in elevation. At their strongest, haboob winds can travel at 35-50 km/h (20-30 mph), and they may approach with little to no warning. Often rain is not seen at the ground level as it evaporates in the hot, dry air (a phenomenon known as virga), though on occasion when the rain does persist, the precipitation can contain a considerable quantity of dust (severe cases called "mud storms"). Eye and respiratory system protection are advisable for anyone who must be outside during a haboob -- moving to a place of shelter is highly desirable during a strong event.
Across North Africa and the Near East, there are many regional names for this unique sandstorm. The word haboob comes from the Arabic word هبوب "strong wind or 'phenomenon'."
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Dust Bowl era haboob approaching Spearman, Texas on 14 April 1935. (NOAA Photo) -
Haboob blowing into Ahwatukee (Phoenix), Arizona on 22 August 2003. -
A massive haboob is close to enveloping a military camp as it rolls over Al Asad, Iraq, just before nightfall on April 27, 2005.
