We have used Carrier's model of a terrestrial hurricane, with modified thermodynamic drive, to describe the 1971 Great dust storm on Mars. The model predicts the course of development and the time elapsing in three different phases: growth, mature and decay. All predictions correspond reasonably well with the observed phenomenon. We also offer explanations for the rarity of the storms and the time of year and location at which they most commonly commence. Abstract We have used Carrier's model of a terrestrial hurricane, with modified thermodynamic drive, to describe the 1971 Great dust storm on Mars. The model predicts the course of development and the time elapsing in three different phases: growth, mature and decay. All predictions correspond reasonably well with the observed phenomenon. We also offer explanations for the rarity of the storms and the time of year and location at which they most commonly commence.