Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0134074254
ISBN 13: 978-0-13407-425-2

Chapter 19 - Section 19.5 - Wind Erosion - Eye on Earth 19.2 - Page 585: 3

Answer

Yes, the term "sandstorm" is an appropriate description for events like the one pictured here. While the plume contains various sizes of windblown sediment, including sand, the term "sandstorm" is often used colloquially to refer to any intense wind-driven event that lifts and transports loose surface materials, even if they include other types of sediment like silt and dust. In this case, the airborne plume likely contains a mixture of different-sized particles, not just sand, but it is still a form of windstorm and hence can be referred to as a sandstorm.

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