Chinese sand over Tokyo

Yellow sand was observed for the first time this year in central Tokyo and outlying areas, according to Asahi Shimbun. Yellow sand was also detected in Kumagaya in neighboring Saitama Prefecture and Maebashi. More sand than usual will likely be carried to Japan from areas around the Yellow River. Yellow sand particles whipped up in the Taklimakan Desert and Loess Plateau in central China rise to an altitude of several thousands meters to be borne to Japan by westerly winds.

Mainichi also notes that huge clouds of yellow sand carried on strong winds from China covered areas of western Japan on Monday, reducing visibility and coating buildings with dust:

Meteorological officials said visibility in the cities of Nagoya, Tsu and Gifu was reduced to about 3 kilometers as a result of the sand. Because of the poor visibility, officials warned people to take care when driving on expressways in affected areas.

And it was even worse in Ulsan, South Korea yesterday, where visibility was about 1 kilometer, according to Yonhap. I wonder what it is like in China. Chosun Ilbo has more details and advice for people who suffer from asthma.

Comments

Pandabonium said…
As a pilot, I wonder what effect that has on the engine wear of aircraft engines?

Is this like the big muscular bully at the beach kicking sand in the face of the weakling?
5:46 pm, April 04, 2007
Martin J Frid said…
That sounds like a serious issue. Are airlines and private pilotes noticing any effects due to the sand? Even ordinary drivers ought to be getting some of that stuff into engines.
10:19 pm, April 04, 2007
Anonymous said…
I haven't read anything on that, but I am curious. When there are major volcanic eruptions the airborne material has actually ruined jet engines of airliners in some cases. I remember one story of a 747 losing power in all four engines due to volcanic ash in the atmosphere. They were able to restart them, but the engines had to be rebuilt.
9:36 am, April 07, 2007
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