Strong winds accompanying a severe storm strip off between 20 and 30 million tonnes of valuable topsoil and carry it east across the country and out to sea. According to CSIRO experts, the recent high temperatures, drought and mice plagues combined to loosen the soil. The storm hit drought-stricken farmers in South Australia and northwest Victoria. Meanwhile, Sydney experiences its hottest May day in more than 30 years, a record 27.9 degrees celsius. ( "Dust disaster to cost hundreds of millions", Daily Telegraph Mirror [Australia], 27 May 1994; "City chokes on tonnes of dust", Daily Telegraph Mirror, 27 May 1994; "Of mice and men and a mighty blow", Sydney Morning Herald, 28 May 1994; "Season of earth, wind and fire", Herald Sun [Australia], 31 May 1994; "Low pressure spells heavy weather", The Age, 26 May 1994).
Note: A global review of dust storm frequency over this century by researchers from the University of Oxford indicates that dust storms are increasing in some regions, such as in the Sahel and Mongolia, and decreasing in others, such as over Mexico City. Different regions, including Australia, China, the former Soviet Union, the Middle East and the US show no trends or exhibit cyclical patterns. It is clear from the study that rainfall, snow cover and wind strength are the main determinants of yearly dust storm frequency, however, human activities such as agricultural practices have had a major impact in some areas. (A.S. Goudie & N.J. Middleton, "The Changing Frequency of Dust Storms Through Time," Climatic Change, v.20, p.197-225, 1992).
GREENPEACE Climate Impacts Database