•  
  •  
 

Abstract

This study examines the spatial and temporal variability of dust (DU) and dust-storm (DS) activity across Saudi Arabia using surface observations for the period 1979–2008, with a focus on the spring season (March–May). The study area was divided into three latitudinal zones from south to north (Zones 1–3). Monthly, seasonal, and annual frequencies of DU and DS events were analyzed to identify spatial differences, seasonal patterns, extreme events, and long-term trends. The results reveal strong spatial variability in dust activity across the three zones, with a clear latitudinal gradient with increasing dust activity toward northern regions. Zone 3 experiences the highest DU and DS activity, both annually and during the spring season, with mean frequencies and extreme events two to six times higher than those observed in Zones 1 and 2. In contrast, Zone 1 is the least affected, while Zone 2 exhibits moderate dust activity. May is the peak month in Zones 2 and 3, whereas March is the most active month in Zone 1. Despite differences in magnitude, all zones show a similar long-term temporal pattern, with dust activity increasing from the late 1970s to a peak during the late 1980s and early 1990s, followed by a general decrease toward 2008. A detailed case study of a major dust event further supports these findings, showing that spring frontal systems play a dominant role in generating and transporting dust, while regional topography modulates dust transport and intensity.

First Page

113

Last Page

133

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Download

Share

COinS