The prediction of electromagnetic propagation through dust clouds assumes greater importance due to the increased use of microwave communications and radar in those parts of the world where these storms are found.

This project reviews the morphological and electrical properties of the dust and its distribution in a dust storm. Dust cause attenuation and phase shift in the propagating electromagnetic waves. Eight mathematical attenuation and phase shift prediction models from the literature are presented. The attenuation predictions only are analysed. It was found there are huge differences between the predicted and the measured attenuations. One reason that might justify this difference is the induction of charge on the dust particles in wind-blown dust storms. This charge is known to increase the attenuation. We conclude that a great deal of further experimental work is required.