Meteorological characteristics of dust storm events in the eastern Great Basin of Utah, U.S.A.

► We examined meteorological controls on dust events affecting air quality in Salt Lake City, Utah. ► The cyclonic systems develop in the Great Basin Confluence Zone, leeward of the Sierra Nevada. ► Dust is transported by strong southerly winds and terrain channeling by Basin & Range topography. ► MODIS images depict plumes from source hotspots including playa lakes and fire-disturbed areas.