Sandstorms can quickly change the shapes of the dunes by the wind. Dust storms in some places can be formed when the wind blows bits of dust. Bits of dust can be blown into the air, often lifted by the strong winds at the leading edge of a cold front. In some drought areas, a 'dustbowl' effect can be caused by long drought over a long time because of it doesn't rain enough and often it gets worst by overgrazing.

Sandstorms don't just occur in a desert. They can happen in any dry area were dust can be picked up easy. Small bits of sand can stay for a week in the air or more and can be blown for miles and miles. Dust from the Sahara desert is always blowing across the Antarctic Ocean and causes red sunrises and sunsets.