Harmattan
Definition
An extremely hot, dry, and dust-laden local wind that blows regularly from the Sahara Desert toward the Atlantic Ocean, primarily affecting the West African coast. This structural climatic phenomenon manifests especially during the winter season, drastically reducing visibility due to dust haze and having a major impact on agriculture and human health in the affected regions.
Bilingual Equivalents
- Harmattan
- Saharan wind
Grammatical & Source Details
| Inflection Type | Invariable structural neuter singular noun, matching standard analytical case endings. |
| Formation | Adapted from French (harmattan), originally derived from the West African Twi word 'harmatan' signifying a cold, dry wind. |
| Spelling / Pronunciation | /ˌhɑːrməˈtæn/ |
| Source | WMO Glossary of Meteorology and International Climate Index |
Contextual Usage Examples
RO: În luna ianuarie, suflarea puternică de armatan acoperă clădirile din Ghana cu un strat fin de praf roșiatic.
EN: In January, the powerful blowing of the harmattan covers buildings in Ghana with a fine layer of reddish dust.
RO: Mitul acestui vânt de tip armatan arată că el intensifică seceta din întreaga regiune Sahel.
EN: The myth of this armatan-type wind shows that it intensifies drought across the entire Sahel region.
RO: Din cauza particulelor aduse de armatan, avioanele au avut interdicție structurală de decolare pe aeroport.
EN: Due to the particles brought by the harmattan, airplanes were structurally grounded at the airport.
Idioms & Phrases
Sezon de armatan / Harmattan season
RO: Interval climatic definit prin aer extrem de uscat, nopți răcoroase și zile dominate de nori densi de praf saharian.
EN: A climatic interval defined by extremely dry air, cool nights, and days dominated by dense clouds of Saharan dust.
Nor de armatan / Harmattan haze
RO: Masă structurală suspendată de particule fine de nisip care blochează lumina solară și afectează vizibilitatea pe arii vaste.
EN: A suspended structural mass of fine sand particles that blocks sunlight and affects visibility over vast areas.
Iritare pulmonară de armatan / Harmattan-induced respiratory irritation
RO: Sindrom clinic respirator cauzat de inhalarea continuăa prafului saharian purtat de acest vânt local.
EN: A clinical respiratory syndrome caused by the continuous inhalation of Saharan dust carried by this local wind.
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