A massive cloud of Saharan dust arrived in the eastern Caribbean this Monday and is expected to move toward parts of Cuba and Florida.
According to an AP report, the cloud extended about 3,200 kilometers (approximately 2,000 miles) from Jamaica to well beyond Barbados in the eastern Caribbean, and about 1,200 kilometers (around 750 miles) from the Turks and Caicos Islands in the northern Caribbean to the south of Trinidad and Tobago.
This is the most important event of its kind so far this year.
During its passage through Puerto Rico, the concentration of dust was high, with an aerosol optical depth of 0.55, according to Yidiana Zayas from the National Weather Service in San Juan.
However, experts explain that these clouds tend to lose most of their concentration in the eastern Caribbean.
The cloud is expected to arrive in Cuba by midweek and will likely reach Florida by the weekend.
On average, more than 180 million tons of dust are transported from Africa each year. Most of the dust is found at altitudes between 5,000 and 15,000 feet in the atmosphere and travels over 5,000 miles across the Atlantic.
It causes poor air quality, which can worsen respiratory conditions, in addition to overcast skies and dust-laden rain.
Some of its effects, however, can be considered beneficial. The Sahara dust weakens tropical systems and reduces activity due to its layer of dry air, which contains 50% less humidity.
In addition, the iron carried by the dust helps to fertilize the land and feeds the phytoplankton in the ocean, which is crucial for the release of oxygen into the atmosphere.
The Sahara dust is a phenomenon that has affected Cuba on multiple occasions and the rest of the nations in the region.
On previous occasions, Cuba's Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) has issued a series of recommendations to prevent harm to the population, including the use of facial masks or nasobuco.
It has also advised avoiding unnecessary exposure to pollution, especially for more vulnerable individuals: the elderly, pregnant women, children, and patients with chronic respiratory diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sahara Dust Cloud and Its Impact on Cuba and Florida
What is the Sahara dust cloud and how does it affect Cuba and Florida?
The Saharan dust cloud is a natural phenomenon that carries large amounts of dust particles from the Sahara Desert across the Atlantic. This cloud can lead to poor air quality, hazy skies, and dust-laden rains, which can exacerbate respiratory issues in vulnerable individuals. However, it also has beneficial effects, such as weakening tropical systems and fertilizing land with the iron it contains.
When is the dust cloud from the Sahara expected to arrive in Cuba and Florida?
The Saharan dust cloud is expected to reach Cuba by midweek and Florida by the weekend. As it passes through the Caribbean, the cloud typically loses some of its concentration, but it can still impact air quality and visibility in these regions.
What recommendations has the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba issued in light of the arrival of Saharan dust?
The Ministry of Public Health of Cuba recommends the use of facial masks to protect against Sahara dust. Additionally, it advises avoiding unnecessary exposure, especially for vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, pregnant women, children, and patients with chronic respiratory diseases.
What are the benefits of Sahara dust for the environment?
The Sahara dust can weaken tropical systems and fertilize the land with the iron it carries. This iron is crucial for nourishing phytoplankton in the ocean, which in turn contributes to the release of oxygen into the atmosphere.
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