Impact of North African Sand and Dust Storms on the Middle East Using Iraq as an Example: Causes, Sources, and Mitigation

This study aims to determine the reasons for increase in frequency of sand and dust storms Middle East identify their sources mitigate them. A set climatic data from 60 years (1960–2022) was analyzed. Sand Iraq are a silty mature arkose composed 72.7% sand, 25.1% silt, 2.19% clay; clay fraction constitutes 70%, with small amount silt (20.6%) (9.4%). Dust (%) quartz (49.2, 67.1), feldspar (4.9, 20.9), calcite (38, 5), gypsum (4.8, 0.4), dolomite (0.8, 1.0), heavy minerals (3.2, 6.6). Increasing temperatures Iraq, by an average 2 °C sixty years, have contributed number 75 200 times annually. North African affect East, monthly exceeding 300 g/m3 peak seasons. To reduce negative impacts on public health, property, infrastructure, suggests solutions them, including reducing carbon dioxide gas emissions prevent expansion drought afforestation desert plants adapted using advanced techniques avoiding land overuse.