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Why do major dust storms occur in the Takla Makan Desert during spring?

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Map of Asia highlighting the location of the Takla Makan Desert in northwestern China, with the desert area shaded in orange. Surrounding regions, including parts of Europe, Africa, and the Pacific Ocean, are shown for geographic context. An inset in the top right corner provides a global view with the desert's location marked. — Takla Makan Desert The Takla Makan Desert is flanked by high mountain ranges: the Tien Shan to the north, the Kunlun Mountains to the south, and the Pamirs to the west.

Major dust storms occur in the Takla Makan Desert during the spring primarily due to the warming of surface sands, which triggers the development of ascending air currents. During this season, northeasterly winds also become particularly strong. These conditions combine to create intense, hurricane-force dust storms that can lift dust into the atmosphere to altitudes of approximately 13,000 feet (4,000 metres).1