What is the effect of blowing sand on visibility?

Blowing sand primarily affects visibility by reducing it, often significantly, to less than 6 nautical miles (NM). When sand is lifted by the wind, it becomes suspended in the air, creating a haze that obscures the view. This can be particularly troublesome in desert regions or during dry, windy conditions where loose sand is readily available. The particles in suspension scatter light, leading to decreased visibility for both visual observations and instrumental measurements.

The presence of blowing sand signifies not just reduced visibility but also potential challenges for navigation and aviation, where maintain clear sight is crucial. In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the effects of blowing sand on visibility. For instance, saying it improves visibility contradicts what actually happens, while claiming it causes no significant change implies a lack of impact, which is not the case.