TERMIUM Plus®

The Government of Canada’s terminology and linguistic data bank.

sandstorm [1 record]

Record 1 2004-10-22

English

Subject field(s)
  • Atmospheric Physics
DEF

A strong wind carrying sand through the air, the diameter of most of the particles ranging from 0.08 to 1 mm.

CONT

Sandstorms are best developed in desert regions where there is loose sand, often in sand dunes, without much admixture of dust. They are due to strong winds caused or enhanced by surface heating, and tend to form during the day and die out at night.

OBS

In contrast to a duststorm, the sand particles are mostly confined to the lowest ten feet, and rarely rise more than fifty feet above the ground. They proceed mainly in a series of leaps (saltation).

OBS

In the United States weather observing practice, if visibility is reduced to between 5/8 and 5/16 statute mile, a "sandstorm" is reported; if visibility is reduced to less than 5/16 statute mile, the sandstorm is classified as "severe".

French

Domaine(s)
  • Physique de l'atmosphère
DEF

Vent fort transportant du sable dans l'air, les particules de ce sable étant de l'ordre de 0.08 à 1 mm.

OBS

Comparativement à la tempête de poussière, la tempête de sable n'élève les particules qu'au niveau des trois premiers mètres, très rarement à plus de 15 mètres au-dessus du sol.

Spanish

Campo(s) temático(s)
  • Física de la atmósfera
DEF

Conjunto de partículas de [...] arena levantado a gran altura por un viento fuerte y turbulento.

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