Home / Weather / Uluru-Like Dust Storm Hits Australian Outback
Uluru-Like Dust Storm Hits Australian Outback
3 Dec
Summary
- A massive dust storm swept over the Tanami desert gold mine.
- The storm's size and scale were compared to Uluru by a witness.
- Following the storm, a cool change brought muddy rain and lower temperatures.
A colossal dust storm, described as resembling Uluru in size, has engulfed the remote Tanami desert in Australia's Northern Territory. Lachlan Marchant, a plumber at the Newmont mine, likened the immense orange cloud rolling towards the site to the iconic natural landmark. The phenomenon was so striking that it occurred for a second consecutive day, with the second storm being significantly larger than the first.
The storm enveloped the horizon and camp in a rust-brown mist, causing grit to be felt and eyes to sting. While visibility within the storm was reportedly fine and winds were low, subsequent thunder and lightning prompted the crew to seek shelter. After an hour, the storm passed, leaving behind muddy rain and a welcome cool change, with daytime temperatures dropping below 30C.
Soil expert Dr. John Grant explains that dust storms are caused by strong winds lifting dry earth, common in arid climates like the Australian outback. He warns that increasing drought potential due to global heating could lead to more frequent and severe dust storms, posing risks to both human health and fragile ecosystems by stripping nutrient-rich soils.
