Dust storm in northern Taklamakan Desert, China

A dust storm lifts sand, dirt and other particles into the air over the Taklamakan Desert, in China. Most of the airborne dust appears concentrated along the northern rim of the Tarim Basin, where it is hemmed in by the tall Tian Shan Mountains. Partially veiled but nonetheless visible through the dust is the Hotan River, which cuts across the desert from south to north.