What is the prevailing wind direction in Qatar that blows across the Arabian Gulf, often bringing cooler breezes in winter but triggering summer dust and sandstorms?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Northwesterly wind (known locally as the 'Shamal')
- Step 1: The 'Shamal' (Arabic for 'north') is a persistent northwesterly wind that blows across Iraq, the Arabian Gulf, and the Qatar peninsula.
- Step 2: In summer (June-July), the Great Shamal creates intense turbulence and picks up vast quantities of desert dust from the Tigris-Euphrates basin, creating dust storms and hazy skies.
- Step 3: In winter, the Shamal brings cooler air masses and rough maritime seas.
Answer
Northwesterly wind (known locally as the 'Shamal').
Why not the others: 'Southeasterly wind (Sirocco)' refers to Mediterranean desert winds blowing toward southern Europe; 'Khamsin' is an Egyptian dry, dusty southerly desert wind; 'Harmattan' is a dry trade wind that blows across the Sahara to West Africa.
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