Dust particles may be small, but they can prove to be mighty costly to not only residents, but the economy as well.

When hills are healthy, vegetation can anchor the soil in place. But when that is burned off, hillsides become vulnerable to erosion, and slopes can come crashing down.

Blowing dust and wind errosion can be as costly as other natural disasters like hurricanes and other storms, according to a new study that UTEP played a big role in.