Within seconds, twelve wild argali sheep gallop in our direction, kicking up a cloud of desert dust in their wake.

Air pollution episodes such as last week's happen between one and five times a year, although usually without desert dust.

I was determined to get under the skin of this city — or a few layers of its desert dust, at least.

The desert dust affects the world's climate more directly, by reflecting sunlight back into space and helping to cool the climate.

Indeed, there are hints of desert dust in the hand-made striped wallpaper, and of military khaki in the cushion covers for the two custom-made sofas.