Over the last month, parts of Europe were hit by intense dust storms. First, a massive dust plume that originated in northeast Algeria caused reddish skies in large parts of Europe. Then, dust deposits tinted the snow-covered Pyrenees and the Alps brown. In late February, a Saharan dust outbreak severely affected the Canary Islands before heading toward continental Europe, reaching as far north as Scandinavia.
While such intense and persistent dust activity is unusual, it’s not uncommon for Europe to experience a few large dust outbreaks every year.

Why is dust a problem?
Desert dust is produced by wind erosion of arid and semi-arid surfaces. It affects weather, climate and atmospheric chemistry, delivers iron and phosphorus to land and ocean ecosystems, and increases photosynthesis and biological productivity.

While there are some positive effects, overall dust storms have severe negative impacts, particularly in countries downwind of major sources in Northern Africa, Middle East, and Central and East Asia. In such regions, the unusually high dust levels that were reached in Europe this February are common.

Dust storms increase eye infections and the incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and are associated to meningitis incidence rates in the African Sahel. Intense outbreaks can disrupt communications, force closing of roads and airports due to poor visibility, and can damage croplands and livestock.

Dust affects solar-energy production by reducing surface solar radiation and by accumulating on the surface of solar panels. Dust deposited on snow drastically reduces its reflectivity and increases absorption of solar radiation, leading to a faster melting of the snowpack.
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