Jacques Descloitres, MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC
White dust from the Bodele Depression scrapes over the Lake Chad region in Eastern Chad in these Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images acquired on March 19 and March 21, 2004. Hot wind from the Sahara frequently sweeps over the dusty Bodele Depression. The pattern is so common that the winds have scoured a diagonal path in the ground marking its southwesterly flow. The lines are visible in the upper right corner of these images. The Bodele Depression is the source of dust in many of Central Africa’s dust storms. In fact, sand dunes can be seen forming along the eastern shores of Lake Chad—another testament to the frequency of blowing dust in the region. By the afternoon of both days, the dust storm had extended from Chad, right, into Niger, upper left. Nigeria is in the lower left corner and a small section of Cameroon is visible below Lake Chad.
Note: Often times, due to the size, browsers have a difficult time opening and displaying images. If you experiece an error when clicking on an image link, please try directly downloading the image (using a right click, save as method) to view it locally.