20 May 2024 Increased intensity of Dust Storms

THIS ARTICLE COVERS ‘DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS’ AND THE TOPIC DETAILS OF “Increased intensity of Dust Storms”. THIS TOPIC IS RELEVANT IN THE “Environment and Ecology” SECTION OF THE UPSC CSE EXAM.

Why in the News?

Recently, several cities, including Mumbai and Delhi, witnessed Dust storms with extremely high wind speeds. These dust storms caused interruptions, leading to the suspension of flight operations at Mumbai airport. Unfortunately, 14 people lost their lives in Mumbai when a billboard fell over because of the powerful winds.

About Dust Storms

• A dust storm, or sandstorm, is a weather event frequently seen in dry and semi-dry areas. It happens when strong winds, typically generated by thunderstorms, lift loose sand and dirt from dry surfaces into the atmosphere. This process involves fine particles being carried by saltation and suspension, relocating soil from one area to another. 
• Such storms are common in places like North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and China, where dry conditions and strong winds facilitate the rise of dust particles into the air.

What Causes the Dust Storms?

• Wind: Strong winds, often resulting from thunderstorms or significant pressure gradients, are crucial in the development of dust storms. These winds can pick up loose sand and dirt from dry surfaces, starting the formation process of dust storms.
• Soil Conditions: Regions that are dry and arid with loose, dry soil are particularly vulnerable to dust storms. The lack of vegetation cover and the presence of fine soil particles make it easier for the wind to lift and carry dust into the air.
• Geographical Features: Flat areas with little vegetation, such as deserts and semi-arid regions, are more likely to experience dust storms. These landscapes allow winds to gather speed and transport dust particles over long distances, contributing to dust storm formation.
• Meteorological Conditions: Certain weather patterns, such as high temperatures and low humidity, can dry out the soil further, making it more likely to be picked up by winds.
• Human Activities: Poor farming and grazing practices, as well as land mismanagement, can exacerbate the susceptibility of an area to dust storms. 
• Activities like intensive tillage, deforestation, and overgrazing can increase soil erosion and create conditions conducive to dust storm formation.

Key Impacts of Dust Storms

• Environmental Impacts:

• • • Soil Erosion: Dust storms strip the topsoil, reducing soil fertility and leading to desertification.
    • Air Quality: They significantly decrease air quality by increasing the concentration of particulate matter in the atmosphere.
    • Ecosystem Disruption: Dust deposition can affect plant photosynthesis and reduce the availability of nutrients, disrupting ecosystems.

• Health Impacts:

• • • Respiratory Issues: Fine dust particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing or exacerbating respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.
    • Eye Irritation: Dust can cause eye irritation and infections.
    • Allergies and Skin Conditions: Exposure to dust can trigger allergies and skin conditions.

• Economic Impacts:

• • • Agriculture: Dust storms can damage crops, reduce agricultural productivity, and degrade arable land.
    • Transportation: Reduced visibility due to dust can lead to accidents and disrupt air and ground transportation.
    • Infrastructure: Dust accumulation can damage machinery, buildings, and other infrastructure.

• Social Impacts:

• • • Displacement: Severe dust storms can displace populations, especially in rural areas dependent on agriculture.
    • Livelihoods: The economic downturn caused by dust storms can affect livelihoods, especially those reliant on farming and livestock.

• Climate Impacts:

• • Atmospheric Effects: Dust particles can influence weather patterns and climate by affecting solar radiation and cloud formation.
  • Ocean Fertilization: Dust deposited in oceans can affect marine ecosystems by providing nutrients that promote phytoplankton growth.

Relation Between Climate change and Dust storms

Climate change is greatly influencing the frequency and intensity of dust storms globally. Dust storms are projected to become more severe and frequent in the future due to rising global temperatures. Experts suggest that as global temperatures rise, soil will become drier, making it easier for wind to carry more soil, thereby intensifying dust storms.

How to mitigate the effects of Dust storms?

• Soil Management and Conservation:

• • • Vegetation Cover: Planting trees and maintaining vegetation cover helps anchor the soil and reduce wind erosion.
    • Crop Rotation and Cover Crops: Crop rotation and planting cover crops can improve soil health and stability.
    • Terracing and Contour Ploughing: These agricultural techniques reduce surface runoff and soil erosion.

• Land Use Management:

• • • Sustainable Grazing Practices: Implementing controlled grazing to prevent overgrazing and land degradation.
    • Afforestation and Reforestation: Establishing new forests and restoring degraded ones can help reduce soil erosion.
    • Controlled Urban Development: Planning and regulating urban development to minimise land disturbance and soil exposure.

• Technological Solutions:

• • • Windbreaks and Shelterbelts: Installing barriers such as trees, shrubs, or artificial structures reduces wind speed and protects soil.
    • Soil Binding Agents: Applying substances that help bind soil particles together, reducing the likelihood of wind erosion.
    • Dust Suppression Techniques: Using water sprays, mulch, or other suppressants on exposed soil surfaces in construction sites and other vulnerable areas.

• Monitoring and Early Warning Systems:

• • • Satellite and Remote Sensing: Utilizing satellite imagery and remote sensing technology to monitor soil conditions and predict dust storms.
    • Weather Forecasting and Alerts: Developing advanced weather forecasting systems to warn early about impending dust storms.

• Policy and Community Initiatives:

• • Environmental Regulations: Implementing and enforcing regulations to control activities contributing to soil erosion and dust storms.
  • Public Awareness and Education: Educating communities about the causes and impacts of dust storms and promoting best practices for soil conservation.
  • Disaster Preparedness Plans: Developing and implementing plans for and responding to dust storms, including health advisories and infrastructure protection measures.\

Download Yojna daily current affairs eng med 20th May 2024

Prelims Based Question

Q1. Which of the following regions is most vulnerable to Dust storms?

(a). Temperate grasslands

(b). Boreal forest

(c ). Arid and semi-arid regions

(d). Tropical evergreen forest

ANSWER: C

Mains Based Question

Q1. What strategies and measures can be implemented to mitigate the impacts of dust storms, and how can communities and policymakers work together to reduce their occurrence and effects?

Vikas