The Impact of Climate Change on the Frequency of Dust Storms Associated with Continental Air Lows in Iraq

Abstract

     Air lows have a direct impact on the weather and climate of Iraq. These lows are classified based on their origin into maritime lows, formed overseas, and continental low originating over land. Consequently, the characteristics of air lows vary depending on their origin. This study aims to assess the impact of climate change on the frequency of continental air lows responsible for generating dust storms in Iraq. The analysis covers two climatic periods, each spanning thirty years: the first from 1964 to 1993, and the second from 1994 to 2023. The findings indicate that three continental lows cause the occurrence of dust storms: The Indian low, the Sudanese low, and the Jazira low. The total number of dust storm events associated with continental lows was 5,228 occurrences during the first period, and 6,030 during the second. The Indian low was the most frequent contributor to dust storms, with a total of 4,414 occurrences across both periods, followed by the Sudanese low with 3,729 occurrences, and finally the Jazira low with 3,115 occurrences.