Turkey to be under the influence of desert dust for 1 week!

Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Toros, a faculty member at the Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ) Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Department of Meteorological Engineering, reported that Turkey will remain under the influence of desert dust coming from Africa for 1 week.

Prof. Dr. Toros stated that desert dust is transported thousands of kilometers away by atmospheric systems due to winds.

Stating that there is an abundance of dust in desert regions, Toros explained that the movement of this dust to different continents is a normal natural phenomenon.

Noting that the Sahara Desert, the largest hot desert, is an important source of mineral dust in the world's atmosphere, Toros said, "Desert dust, rich in minerals such as iron and phosphorus, contributes to the development of plants and increases soil fertility on land, while serving as a food source for phytoplankton in the seas with the minerals it carries."

Stating that Turkey has also entered under the influence of desert dust coming from Africa, Toros said the following:

"According to atmospheric numerical model results, the effect of desert dust in Turkey will continue throughout the coming week. The effect of desert dust changes day by day in different regions of Turkey. For example, today desert dust will be effective in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia; on Sunday and Monday in the Mediterranean, Central Anatolia, Aegean, and Marmara regions; on Tuesday, predominantly in the Black Sea and Marmara regions; and on Wednesday in the Mediterranean, Central Anatolia, Aegean, and Marmara regions. The effect of the desert dust will decrease on Thursday. It will begin to decrease and leave our country starting Friday."

Toros mentioned that in these days, desert dust will be visible on vehicles along with drizzling weather in the evenings.

''AIR QUALITY MAY DETERIORATE AS PARTICULATE MATTER IN THE AIR INCREASES''

Prof. Dr. Toros noted that the atmosphere appears reddish these days due to the effect of desert dust.

Stating that the colors seen in the sky come from sunlight scattered by molecules in the atmosphere, Toros said, "Depending on the angle of the sun's rays and the amount of dust, the sky can become more reddish, milkier, and hazier, that is, more colorful, especially at sunrise and sunset."

Toros stated that desert dust, which carries minerals worth their weight in gold, brings natural fertilizer to Turkey.

''IT MAY NEGATIVELY AFFECT THOSE WITH ASTHMA AND UPPER RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS''

Stating that studies show that despite the benefits of desert dust, it can cause breathing problems in people with certain health issues when it concentrates at ground level, Toros said, "Because as the particulate matter in the air increases, air quality may deteriorate. Particles can be inhaled and enter the lungs and bloodstream, and may negatively affect those with asthma and upper respiratory tract problems."

Noting that the dust has a more negative effect especially on babies, children, the elderly, and those with heart or lung diseases, Toros said, "For this reason, it is beneficial to follow the air quality of our location at 'www.havaizleme.gov.tr' to protect our health. Let us be careful according to our own health status. For example, if you are going outside these days, it would be more appropriate to walk instead of running."