<P> The term sandstorm is used most often in the context of desert sandstorms , especially in the Sahara Desert , or places where sand is a more prevalent soil type than dirt or rock , when , in addition to fine particles obscuring visibility , a considerable amount of larger sand particles are blown closer to the surface . The term dust storm is more likely to be used when finer particles are blown long distances , especially when the dust storm affects urban areas . </P>
the warm dry and dusty air mass that is formed over the sahara desert is known as
sandstorm