Haboob facts for kids

A picture of a haboob dust storm.

Imagine a giant cloud of dust and sand, like a huge wall moving across the desert. That's a haboob! It's a type of storm that forms when strong winds from a thunderstorm hit the ground.

These winds are called downdrafts. Think of them like a powerful leaf blower pushing air straight down. When this air hits the Earth, it spreads out sideways. This fast-moving air picks up lots of dirt and dust from dry ground.

Haboobs create a thick, dusty cloud that can be hard to see through. They are common in deserts like the Sahara in Africa and in places like Arizona in the United States. These storms can be tricky for people, animals, and plants.

Where Do Haboobs Happen?

A haboob moves across the Llano Estacado toward Yellow House Canyon, near Ransom Canyon, Texas (June 18, 2009)

Haboobs can happen in many dry places around the world. They are often caused by strong thunderstorms.

Haboobs in the Middle East

Haboobs are often seen in the Sahara desert, especially in Sudan. This is where they were first named and studied. They also happen across the Arabian Peninsula, in countries like Kuwait and Iraq. These storms usually form when a thunderstorm collapses.

Haboobs in Australia

In Australia, haboobs can happen with cold fronts. The deserts in Central Australia, especially near Alice Springs, get a lot of them. These dust storms can send sand and debris several kilometers into the sky. They can even leave a lot of sand on the ground.

Haboobs in North America

Just like in the Middle East, haboobs in North America are often caused by thunderstorms. These storms are common in dry areas. In the U.S., people often call them dust storms or sandstorms.

They happen a lot in the deserts of Arizona, near cities like Yuma and Phoenix. You can also see them in New Mexico, including Albuquerque, and in eastern California and Texas. Sometimes, they even reach Eastern Washington and can affect cities like Spokane.

Haboobs on Mars

Scientists have even compared the huge dust storms on Mars to haboobs on Earth! This shows how powerful these dust events can be.

Gallery

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  A haboob closes in on Nyala Airport

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  Dust Bowl-era haboob approaching Spearman, Texas, on April 14, 1935

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  Haboob blowing into Ahwatukee, Phoenix, Arizona, on August 22, 2003

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  A massive haboob is close to enveloping Al Asad Airbase, Iraq, just before nightfall on April 27, 2005

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  A haboob approaches Taji, Iraq, in 2006

Images for kids

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  Haboob in Big Spring, Tx

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  Small boat in River Nile Sudan