A dust storm is a meteorological phenomenon in which strong winds pick up loose sand and dust particles from the ground and carry them through the air. The term 'dust storm' is commonly used to refer to storms in arid and semi-arid regions, but they can also occur in other areas. Simoom, SANDSTORM, SIROCCO, and samiel are all terms used to describe different types of dust storms. A simoom is a hot, dry wind that blows across the desert, often carrying sand and dust. A SANDSTORM is a storm with strong winds that carries sand and dust through the air. A SIROCCO is a hot, dusty wind that blows from North Africa across the Mediterranean Sea. Finally, a samiel is a hot, dry wind that blows across the Arabian Peninsula.