An Overview of Triggering Mechanisms and Characteristics of Local Strong Sandstorms in China and Haboobs

The local strong sandstorms (LSS), similar to haboobs in Sahara and the North America, often occur suddenly, tens of minutes during late afternoon, before dusk deserts China, causing a significant impact on atmospheric environment. Sudan haboob or American appears wet season, followed by thunderstorm events. In contrast, LSS China most frequently relatively dry season. lack observational data weather conditions their formation, development after disappearance have hindered our understanding evolution mechanism LSS/haboobs. This paper provides review current status model studies LSS/haboobs different time space characterize triggering mechanisms for occurrence, as well highlight subject further are always occurrence squall. interaction dust radiation heating near-surface mixing layer with mesoscale anticyclone air mass (cold-air pool) upper is key process that leads an LSS. Haboobs release latent heat due condensation water vapor, involving moist convection cold downdraughts, main driving force cause haboob. For better characteristics wind-sand two-phase flow energy dissipation LSS/haboobs, accumulation meteorological observation small-scale multiple-phase numerical simulations required.