Haboob Definition

by Laurent Cousineau
(Montreal)

A haboob approaching Taji, Iraq, in 2006

A haboob is a type of intense dust storm that is carried by an atmospheric gravity current.

Haboobs occur regularly in arid regions throughout the world.

They can be as much as 100 kilometers (62 miles) wide and several kilometers high.

Moreover, they can travel up to 35–100 km/h (roughly 20–60 mph).

For more information, go to dust storms.