Miguel Amendola
22/05/2022 | Tulum, Quintana Roo
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The effects on the Yucatan Peninsula of the number 1 tropical wave of the year are reduced by the presence of the phenomenon known as Saharan dust, whose arrival was on Friday the 20th and is forecast to continue until Tuesday, May 24.
Shalon Rojas Lagunes, meteorologist of the Municipal Coordination of Civil Protection in Tulum, explained that every year on these dates the presence of this phenomenon is expected, which -she explained- coming from the Sahara desert, in Africa, and it is in this season when There are more atmospheric conditions for its transfer to other countries, that is, that it rises to about seven kilometers from ground level.
He added that then this dust travels through the tropical Atlantic, since the prevailing winds in that area are from west to east, and that is why it reaches America.
The meteorologist pointed out that among its benefits is that the characteristics of its particles usually contain nutrients to fertilize ecosystems, especially marine ones, and inhibit the formation of tropical cyclones.
File: Mexican Caribbean, ready for the hurricane season: CPTQ
Meanwhile, among its negative aspects is that in large quantities these particles are usually harmful to health, since they affect the quality of the air and the excessive fertilization of seaweed can create a type of plague.
Roja Lagunes pointed out that “there are no indications to suppose that the amount is harmful to us or the ecosystem. Also, its slight influence could dampen storm formation in the area.”
To an express question about the fact that this phenomenon will occur practically at the same time as the rains of tropical wave number 1, he stated that it is precisely the dust that reduces rainfall, “it makes it not severe. Tropical cyclones and even rains are difficult to form.
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Editing: Emilio Gomez
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