Farmers, scientists, and meteorologists have been sitting up and taking notice as severe dust storms in the United States are becoming more frequent across the Great Plains and the Southwest.
Research shows dust storms have doubled over the past 20 years and are becoming more intense—due to a combination of increased drought conditions and the expansion of crop planting.
Damage from these squalls is widespread, including everything from crop losses and property damage to power outages, reduced visibility, and increased respiratory infections.
A 2020 study that used data from satellite imagery to locate the primary sources of dust in the Great Plains showed the region contained more dust points (1,258) than the Chihuahuan desert (187)….