A Dust storm is a wind which moves across a region picking up loose soil and carrying it many miles. This movement of soil which may rob farm land of it's rich topsoil is sometimes called Wind Erosion. During a dust storm the airis usually very hot and dry. Sometimes the dust clouds are so thick, it is impossible to see through them. Dust storms usually occur during a period of drought.
Dust storms are known to have occurred in the ancient world, for records have been found which describe clouds of volcanic ash which were carried for long distances by winds, and violent sand storms in the deserts. In 1992, dust clouds arose over Algeria, and were carried about 1,100 miles to the British Isles. Storms which carry off fertile soil have occurred in recent years. In the Southwestern United States, dust storms caused serious damage during the early 1930's. Quantities of soil were picked up by winds and carried for great distances. Much rich farmland was destroyed in this way.
Dust storms are most likely to occur in regions where there is little rainfall, and where the natural grasses and the farm crops are not deeply rooted in the soil. Areas where the soil is blown away are harmed, but the areas where the soil is deposited are improved. Geologists believe that the lower Mississippi Valley was made more fertile by soil from dust storms.
