Synoptic characteristics of the spatial variability of spring dust storms over Saudi Arabia

Statistical and synoptic studies of spring dust storms over the Arabian Peninsula (AP) were performed using surface observations from 27 stations meteorological data NCEP/NCAR reanalysis set for period 1978-2008. The study showed that, spatially, northern eastern AP are regions most affected by temporally, can be divided into two subperiods: before after 1995, with a pronounced increase 1995 smooth (decrease) respect to (dust storms) types. reveals three main atmospheric systems: frontal systems region, Red Sea Trough ()-related western thermal low region. Additionally, shows that all associated favorable pressure (geopotential) gradient area shape strength maximum wind upper-layer regimes suitable completely integrating layers. Moreover, southern is common component dust-related systems, but its effect particularly in system