Oct 25, 2017 to Oct 27, 2017
Istambul, Turkey
Background
Sand and dust storms are recognized by WMO as serious events that can affect climate, weather, environment, health and economy in many parts of the world.
West Asia is the second largest source of global dust after the Sahara desert, but, unlike North Africa, where large population centres are concentrated along the coasts of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean, relatively far away from dust sources, much of the population in West Asia lives inside, or in the vicinity of, dust sources. The impact on air quality, on ecosystems and on many economic and social activities is therefore of utmost importance.
The future is also worrisome, because global warming has the potential to cause major changes in dust emissions. The IPCC suggests that, under most scenarios, many dry-land areas will suffer from lower rainfall regimes and drier terrains because of higher rates of evapotranspiration. This will favour the formation of shallow soils that are often characterized by a high content of airborne particles.
Therefore, there is a likelihood of increased dust storm activity, though this conclusion depends on how winds may change – a matter of great uncertainty.
Organized by: TSMS, WMO and EUMETSAT
With the collaboration of: AEMET and BSC
And the coordination of: WMO SDS-WAS Regional Center for Northern Africa, Middle East and Europe
Contact Person:
Ayşe Gökçen IŞIK
E-mail : agisik@mgm.gov.tr
Phone : +90.312.203.27.54
Fax : + 90 312 203 27 32
Source: Barcelona Dust Forecast Center