Rockstorm

A Rockstorm is an unusual meteorological event unique to Azimuth. An area typically will come under bombardment from fast-moving fragments of floatrock carried on wind currents. These fragments range in size from small pebbles to chunks as big as houses. They present a significant, if irregular, threat to Azimuth's human inhabitants.

Underlying Cause and Behaviour

Rockstorms are believed to result from wear and damage to floatrock islands, particularly the intense fragmentation that results from battles. The nykorium in the debris often retains enough integrity to remain aloft. There it becomes ensnared in air currents and has a tendency to aggregate into large clouds. These formations slowly clump together to form a rockstorm circling the planet, posing a threat to any settlement or ship downstream of it.

Defensive Measures

It is difficult to prepare for or combat a rockstorm. The best defence is considered to be avoidance. One method is to move ships or buildings out of its path. For larger citie, where this isn't possible, evacuation is often undertaken. Some storms can also be effectively weakened using explosive weapons, such as a ship's gun. Some considerable damage is likely to still occur, though, making this measure more of a last resort when caught at short notice.