Impressive images: Sea of sand sweeps across Canary Islands

This week, the Canary Islands were affected by a weather phenomenon known as the Calima, which brought a significant amount of sand and dust from the Sahara. This event led to reduced visibility and deteriorated air quality as the dust, initially in the lower atmosphere, rose and spread across the sky.

The Calima is notable for causing a rise in temperature due to its origin from the hot, dry Sahara desert. This temperature increase is detectable on local temperature radars. The Calima's formation is linked to a high-pressure system northeast of the Canary Islands and a low-pressure system to their southwest. This pressure difference generates strong easterly winds that transport Sahara dust to the islands, coating surfaces with a fine layer of sand and significantly lowering visibility during intense storms.

The Calima generally does not severely disrupt daily activities on the islands but poses challenges for aviation and can cause discomfort for individuals with respiratory or eye sensitivities. Residents are often advised to stay indoors and keep their homes closed to minimize exposure to the dust.

The geographical features of the islands influence the dust cloud's travel path. The cloud can cover distances exceeding 620 miles and reach altitudes between 16,400 to 19,700 feet.

The Saharan dust carried by the Calima serves an important ecological function. It transports nutrients, particularly iron, across oceans, benefiting marine ecosystems. In some cases, this dust can even reach the Amazon Rainforest, replenishing phosphorus lost through rain and flooding, a critical nutrient for plant growth, especially in rainforests.

The occurrence of the Calima underscores the interconnectedness of global ecosystems and the dynamic nature of Earth's environmental systems.