SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS of DUST STORMS in the SOUTHWESTERN PART of Iran in the EARLY 21 CENTURY

Abstract

The article considers the origin and spatio-temporal distribution of dust storms within the territory of Khuzestan Province located in the southwestern part of Iran. It was found that approximately 75% of the dust storms occur outside the region, the rest are of local origin. The main attention is focused on the long-term features of dust storms, their duration, annual and daily cycle, and horizontal visibility deterioration caused by dust storms. The analysis of state and variability of temperature conditions in the region over the past few decades showed that in winter temperature experiences temporary fluctuations, and there is a clear upward trend in summer. © 2014 Kazan Federal University. All rights reserved.