Calima is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when a concentration of suspended particles, such as dust, sand, ashes or other pollutants, is present in the atmosphere. These particles can be of natural origin, as in cases of sand storms or volcanic eruptions, or can be generated by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, industry or agriculture. However, it can cause harmful effects on health and the environment. In this ecology article, we will tell you What is calima, why it occurs and its effectsas well as where there is calmer.
What is calima
Calima is a Meteorological phenomenon that occurs in the atmosphere. Its main feature is that it contains a lot of dust and sand, so it reduces visibility. It is composed of suspended particlesamong which we can find ash and clay. So high concentrations of these particles can reduce visibility, but can also cause other damage to humans that fog does not cause.
When these particles are present in the air, they reduce visibility and can cause a kind of mist or mist, which makes it The atmosphere looks more opaque and yellowish. In addition, calima can affect the Air qualitysince these particles can contain harmful substances for human health, especially for people with respiratory conditions.
Calima can be transported to long distances through the winds, which means that it can affect very extensive areas. In addition, your presence can also influence local climatic conditionsas higher temperatures due to the greenhouse effect that these particles generate by retaining heat in the atmosphere.
Many confuse calima with fog, and are not the same. Although both reduce visibility, the fog is made up of small drops of water in suspension, while the calima is formed by solid particles.
Why the calima occurs
Calima occurs mainly due to the action of various atmospheric and geographical factors. These are the main factors for which calima occurs:
Particle generation
The particles that make up the calima may have different origins. Some are the product of natural processes, such as sand storms in deserts or arid regions, volcanic eruptions that launch air ashes and particles in the air, or forest fires that generate smoke and ashes. There are also particles produced by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, gases and industrial particles or the practice of agriculture.
Atmospheric transport
Once the particles are found in the air, they are transported by the winds through large distances. This means that calima can travel from its place of origin to farther regions, even crossing oceans and affecting distant geographical areas. The intensity of transport and wind direction are determining factors for the arrival of calima to certain areas.
Thermal investment
A key atmospheric phenomenon in the accumulation of calima is thermal investment. A thermal investment occurs when a hottest layer of air is trapped between two colder layers, preventing the particles from dispersing up and being trapped near the surface. This causes an accumulation of particles in the lower troposphere, where we breathe, increasing the density of the calima.
In this other article we explain more about thermal investment: what is and why it occurs.
Local climatic influence
The presence of calima can influence local climatic conditions. By retaining part of the solar radiation and decreasing the infrared radiation that is emitted from the earth’s surface, the calima can lead to an increase in temperatures near the ground, giving rise to warmer days than usual.
Where there is Calima
The distribution of calima in the world is not uniform and depends on several factors, including geography, climatic patterns and human activity. Some regions are more likely to experience calima episodes more frequently and intensity, for example, in Spain calima in the Canary Islands. These are the areas where there are usually calm more frequently:
Desert and semi -arid regions
Desert and semi -arid areas are natural sources of suspended particles due to the presence of dry soils and without vegetation. The deserts, such as Sahara in Africa, the Atacama desert in South America and the Mojave desert in North America, are known for generating sandstorms that release large amounts of particles in the air.
Volcanic areas
Eruption volcanoes emit ashes and particles that can extend through the atmosphere, affecting nearby areas and, sometimes, even more distant regions. Some areas prone to volcanic eruptions, such as the Pacific Fire belt, may experience calima episodes due to these emissions.
We recommend reading these summaries about the volcanic and seismic regions of the world and the volcanic areas of Spain.
Agricultural and Industrial Regions
Human activity also contributes to the formation of Calima. Areas with intense agriculture, where inadequate agricultural practices are burned or they can release air particles. Similarly, industrial areas with high emissions of pollutants and particulate material can also be calima foci.
Areas affected by forest fires
Forest fires release large amounts of smoke, ashes and particles in the air. These events can be caused by dry and hot climatic conditions, and in regions prone to forest fires, such as some parts of Australia, North America and southern Europe, calima can be more frequent during the fire season.
In this article we explain how to prevent forest fires.
Effects of Calima
Calima can have various effects on health, the environment and everyday life. These effects vary depending on the concentration and type of particles present in the calima, as well as the duration of its exposure. These are the most relevant effects of calima both in the human being and in the environment:
- Health effects: Exposure to high calim concentrations can be harmful to health, especially for people with pre -existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis or obstructive pulmonary diseases. The fine particles present in the calima can penetrate the lungs and trigger or aggravate respiratory problems, causing coughing, difficulty breathing and discomfort in the respiratory tract.
- Impact on air quality: Calima affects air quality by introducing polluting particles into the atmosphere. Fine PM10 and PM2.5 particles, present in calima, can be inhaled by people and also affect air quality in general, decreasing visibility and contributing to the formation of Smog and mist.
- Alterations in the local climate: Calima’s presence can influence local climatic conditions. By retaining heat in the lower troposphere, calima can cause an increase in temperatures close to the ground.
- Impact on outdoor activity: Calima reduces visibility and can affect air quality in affected areas. This can have an impact on driving and aviation, since visibility is reduced and can make roads and airports dangerous.
- Environmental consequences: Calima can have negative effects on the environment. When deposited on vegetation and water bodies, it can affect the photosynthesis of plants and water quality, and can also damage fragile ecosystems.
Now that you know what calima is, why it occurs and its effects, do not miss these other articles of ecology see on the cannula: what it is, how long it begins and when it begins and the island of heat: what is, causes, consequences and solutions.
If you want to read more articles similar to Calima: What is it, why it occurs and effectswe recommend that you enter our category of climate change.
