A dust storm which originated near the Syrian-Jordanian border swept across Iraq's western desert, April 26, 2005. U.S. Marine Corps weather forecasters stationed at Al Asad, Iraq, described the dust storm as a downburst. The storm passed over in about 45 minutes, leaving a heavy sheet of dust in its wake. Forecasters say the wall of dust may have reached 4,000 to 5,000 feet, based on the height of the clouds above it. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Shannon Arledge



A dust storm similar to special effects on the big screen bellowed across the western desert of Iraq, April 26, 2005. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Shannon Arledge



A massive sand storm cloud rolls over Al Asad, Iraq, just before nightfall as U.S. Army Sgt. Michael A. Blaha watches, April 26, 2005. U.S. Marine Corps photo Cpl. Alicia M. Garcia



A massive sand storm cloud is close to enveloping a military camp as it rolls over Al Asad, Iraq, just before nightfall on April 26, 2005. U.S. Marine Corps photo Cpl. Alicia M. Garcia



A massive sand storm cloud is close to enveloping a military camp as it rolls over Al Asad, Iraq, just before nightfall on April 26, 2005. U.S. Marine Corps photo Cpl. Alicia M. Garcia



A massive sand storm cloud is close to enveloping a military camp as it rolls over Al Asad, Iraq, just before night fall as several soldiers watch, April 26, 2005. U.S. Marine Corps photo Cpl. Alicia M. Garcia



A massive sand storm which originated near the Syrian-Jordanian border swept across Iraq's western desert, April 26, 2005. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Shannon Arledge



Soldiers watch as a massive sand storm cloud is close to enveloping a military camp as it rolls over Al Asad, Iraq, just before nightfall, April 26, 2005. U.S. Marine Corps photo Cpl. Alicia M. Garcia


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