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Dust Storms and Wind Streaks

Strong WNW winds blow at the altitude of the Altiplano (ca. 3,800 meters--12,000 feet), often setting up point-source dust plumes even hundreds of kilometers long. Here dust plumes from the Altiplano overtops the cloud blanket over the Argentine lowlands (bottom). The Pacific coast is visible near the top of the photograph. (S08-46-0936)

Salars and Wind Streaks

Floors of salars display excellent examples of wind streaks: these white, elongated wind-formed patterns can be seen on the windward side (lower right side) of the large playa Salar de Arizaro (1) and in a smaller salar (2). They are aligned WNW, parallel with the dominant winds of the Altiplano. These winds also generate major dust storms. The high Andes are extremely rugged and almost devoid of population. Dozens of volcanoes and associated lava flows dot the scene. (51G-41-090)

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