HKDSE Geography/E2/Impacts of Sandstorms

Impacts on Primary Industries

• Fields are buried. Sand and dust block out sunlight and discourage photosynthesis. Crop failure may occur.
• Farming infrastructure and facilities, such as irrigation canals, are damaged by sandstorms. They take months to resume activity.
• Winds blow away topsoil and crops. Nutrients in the topsoil and organic carbons are lost. Soil fertility is severely damaged.

Impacts on Secondary Industries

• Some factories may be closed down or even have their machinery damaged by sandstorms.
• Labour productivity decreases as people get sick.

Impacts on Tertiary Industries

• Flights are delayed. Rail services may be cancelled as well.
• Vehicles are damaged by the sand.

Impacts on Everyday Life

• Visibility decreases greatly.
• Buildings are eroded.
• Dust particles may carry viruses and fungi from the source area to spread diseases and cause outbreaks or even epidemics.
• Allergies are triggered. Respiratory diseases like asthma and cardiovascular diseases are also possible. Healthcare spending increases