Forces of Nature: ThinkQuest 2000 (Team #C003603)
http://library.thinkquest.org/C003603/english/windstorms/whatsaduststorm.shtml
Dust storms and sandstorms usually occur where the soil is very dry, with little vegetation that can anchor and protect it from erosion. Winds blow across the earth, carrying light, dusty particles into the air and carrying it away. After very violent dust storms, it is sometimes impossible to grow crops again for many years.