Land use and desert dust hazards in central Arizona

Land use and surface sediments reveal a strong locational association between sparsely vegetated, abandoned farmland and dust-related accidents on Interstate Route 10 in central Arizona. Three classes of land use prevail in the area: natural desert, irrigated farmland, and abandoned farmland. Sediments sampled from all land-use types are predominantly silt to clay-size particles that are amenable to deflation and eolian transport processes. Abandoned farmland is particularly effective as a dust source because of its lack of vegetational anchor and its accessibility to human activities that disrupt the soil crust and make soil available to the wind. Off-road vehicles and livestock are major factors in this regard. Possible means to reduce dust hazards over Interstate 10 include use of wind disrupting barriers, surface treatment, and land-use restrictions.