Controls on the height and spacing of eolian ripples and transverse dunes: A numerical modeling investigation

Ripples and transverse dunes in areas of abundant sand supply increase in height and spacing as a function of time, grain size, and excess shear velocity. How and why each of these factors influence ripple and transverse dune size, however, is not precisely known. In this paper, the controls on the height and spacing of ripples and transverse dunes in areas of abundant sand supply are investigated using a numerical model for the formation of eolian bedforms from an initially flat surface. This bedform evolution model combines the basic elements of Werner's [Werner, B.T., 1995. Eolian dunes: Computer simulations and attractor interpretation. Geology 23, 1107–1110.] cellular automaton model of dune formation with a model for boundary layer flow over complex topography. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between bed shear stress and slope on the windward (stoss) side of evolving bedforms. Nonlinear boundary layer model results indicate that bed shear stresses on stoss slopes increase with increasing slope angle up to approximately 20°, then decrease with increasing slope angle as backpressure effects become limiting. In the bedform evolution model, the linear boundary layer flow model of Jackson and Hunt [Jackson, P.S., Hunt, J.C.R., 1975. Turbulent wind flow over a low hill. Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society 101, 929–955.], generalized to 3D, is modified to include the nonlinear relationship between bed shear stress and slope. Bed shear stresses predicted by the modified Jackson and Hunt flow model are then used to predict rates of erosion and deposition iteratively through time within a mass-conservative framework similar to Werner [Werner, B.T., 1995. Eolian dunes: Computer simulations and attractor interpretation. Geology 23, 1107–1110.]. Beginning with a flat bed, the model forms ripples that grow in height and spacing until a dynamic steady-state condition is achieved in which bedforms migrate downwind without further growth. The steady-state ripple spacing predicted by this model is approximately 3000 times greater than the aerodynamic roughness length of the initially flat surface, which is a function of grain size and excess shear velocity. Once steady-state ripples form, they become the dominant roughness element of the surface. The increase in roughness associated with ripple formation triggers the same bedform instability that created ripples, causing dunes to form at a larger scale. In this way, the numerical model of this paper suggests that ripples and dunes are genetically linked. Transverse dunes in this model have a steady-state height and spacing that is controlled by the effective roughness length of the rippled surface, which is shown to be on the order of 500 times greater than the original roughness length, but varies significantly with the details of ripple morphology. The model predictions for ripple and dune spacing and their controlling variables are consistent with field measurements from the published literature. The model of this paper provides a preliminary process-based understanding of the granulometric control of ripples and dunes in areas of abundant sand supply and unidirectional prevailing winds, and it argues for a genetic linkage between ripples and dunes via a scaling relationship between eolian bedform size and the aerodynamic roughness length.     

响水河中游右岸沙丘群粒度分布特征

在野外实地考察和测量的基础上,沿盛行风向,对西辽河平原西部响水河中游右岸普遍发育的新月形沙丘链进行样品采集。经室内激光粒度仪测定,研究了河岸沙丘粒度分布规律。结果表明：（1）响水河右岸沙丘及丘间地以中沙为主,而河谷谷底细沙含量最多,平沙地次之。（2）滨岸沙丘由迎风坡脚到丘顶平均粒径变小,远岸沙丘由迎风坡脚到丘顶平均粒径变大;多数沙丘分选性由两侧坡脚到丘顶变好;多数沙丘丘顶偏度值和峰态值大于两侧坡脚。（3）滨岸沙丘受风、水两相作用,能从较深地层获得沙源;其下风向沙丘主要受风力作用,沙源主要为丘间地沙及上风向风沙流携带的较细沙。     

Numerical modelling of flow structures over idealized transverse aeolian dunes of varying geometry

A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model (PHOENICS™ 3.5) previously validated for wind tunnel measurements is used to simulate the streamwise and vertical velocity flow fields over idealized transverse dunes of varying height (h) and stoss slope basal length (L). The model accurately reproduced patterns of: flow deceleration at the dune toe; stoss flow acceleration; vertical lift in the crest region; lee-side flow separation, re-attachment and reversal; and flow recovery distance. Results indicate that the flow field over transverse dunes is particularly sensitive to changes in dune height, with an increase in height resulting in flow deceleration at the toe, streamwise acceleration and vertical lift at the crest, and an increase in the extent of, and strength of reversed flows within, the lee-side separation cell. In general, the length of the separation zone varied from 3 to 15 h from the crest and increased over taller, steeper dunes. Similarly, the flow recovery distance ranged from 45 to >75 h and was more sensitive to changes in dune height. For the range of dune shapes investigated in this study, the differing effects of height and stoss slope length raise questions regarding the applicability of dune aspect ratio as a parameter for explaining airflow over transverse dunes. Evidence is also provided to support existing research on: streamline curvature and the maintenance of sand transport in the toe region; vertical lift in the crest region and its effect on grainfall delivery; relations between the turbulent shear layer and downward forcing of flow re-attachment; and extended flow recovery distances beyond the separation cell. Field validation is required to test these findings in natural settings. Future applications of the model will characterize turbulence and shear stress fields, examine the effects of more complex isolated dune forms and investigate flow over multiple dunes.     

金字塔沙丘形成的动力条件分析

金字塔沙丘(或星状沙丘)形成的动力条件主要有三个方面:一是在非沙质床面的气流场辐合区,一般具有三个以上近似均布的主风向,各主风向的风力强度、出现频率及持续时间不尽相同,但年总输沙能力较为接近,而且月输沙能力具有明显的季节变化;二是不太充裕的沙源和高浓度不饱和风沙流;三是不同尺度地形条件的动力作用,和沙漠与戈壁下垫面的热力影响。在沙质床面,往往由于高浓度饱和或过饱和风沙流的作用,导致新月形沙丘或新月形沙丘链的变态,或重新组合成金字塔状的沙丘形态,但不可能发育为典型的金字塔沙丘。     

横向沙丘背风侧气流重附风洞模拟

二次流在沙丘形成和形态维持过程中扮演着重要角色。沙丘迎风坡气流加速和背风侧气流分离是最常见的二次流形式。沙丘背风侧的二次流,尤其是气流分离形成的分离涡和气流重附对沙丘背风坡的塑造、沙丘间距和排列模式都具有重要的控制作用。因此,设计了一系列具有不同迎风坡坡度的横向沙丘模型,采用粒子图像测速技术,通过风洞实验模拟了沙丘背风侧的气流分离和重新附着。实验结果表明,当来流风速垂直于沙丘脊线时,沙丘背风侧的气流重附距离介于4\^8 H~10\^8 H之间(H为沙丘高度),最大重附距离出现在迎风坡坡度为15°的沙丘背风侧;沙丘迎风坡坡度是控制背风侧气流重附距离的主要因素,而自由风速对气流重附距离的控制作用较小。根据实验结果,还讨论了气流分离与重附对沙粒运移和沙丘形态维持的沉积学意义。     

科尔沁草原南部不同类型沙丘水分研究

沙丘在不受地下水影响的情况下.沙层水分的补给取决于降水;降水对沙层湿润的深度与一次性降水的多少成比例关系.在流动沙丘发展成为固定沙丘的过程中,由于植物的生长,水分条件逐渐变坏。160厘米厚沙层4-7月的月平均有效水分,流动沙丘为102.46毫米,半固定沙丘为51.79毫米,固定沙丘为41.09毫米.沙丘固定后地表形成结皮,在降雨强度大的情况下,固定沙丘地表形成径流,汇集于丘间,使丘间含水量高于固定沙丘。依固定沙丘和丘间在水分条件上的差异,地貌条件上的不同,在利用沙地时充分利用固定冷丘丘间的有利方面,适当开垦是可行的.     

科尔沁沙地沙丘植被对丘间低地水体的影响北大核心CSCD

在流动沙丘以建立固沙植被的方式向固定沙丘转化的过程中,植被将改变沙丘水分再分配过程,影响沙丘的水文调节功能,甚至可能引起沙丘生态系统水资源失衡。为探明植被对沙丘水文调解功能的影响,以科尔沁沙地不同植被盖度的沙丘-丘间地水体组合体为研究对象,于2021年生长季开展了沙丘植被盖度、丘间低地水体变化特征、气象因素的动态观测,以期明确沙丘植被变化对丘间低地水体的影响。结果表明:(1)沙丘植被盖度影响沙丘水分对外补给能力,随着沙丘表面固沙植被盖度增加,单位面积沙丘对外水分补给能力降低,表现为流动沙丘(58.25 mm)>半固定沙丘(24.75 mm)>固定沙丘(14.87 mm),占同期降水量的比例分别为21.39%、9.09%、5.46%。(2)生长季流域降水补给量、植被盖度、气温显著影响沙丘对丘间低地水体的水分补给量,丘间低地水体获补量与流域降水补给量显著正相关,与植被盖度、气温极显著负相关。(3)依据水量平衡原理推导出沙丘水分对外补给量(Y)与影响因素(降水补给量X_(1),植被盖度X_(2),平均气温X_(3))的关系模型,Y=1052.737+0.1X_(1)-11.459X_(2)-37.585X_(3),R2=0.641。可根据模型预测沙丘水分对外补给量,为流动沙丘生物治理模式的合理选择提供支持。     

基于遥感的中国北方风沙地貌类型分析

风沙地貌在我国有广泛的分布,特别在北方,对区域生态安全、社会经济发展有重大影响。为了了解我国风沙地貌最新状况,通过解译2000~2002年的Landsat7 ETM影像,建立了我国风沙地貌类型数据库。对北方风沙地貌的分析表明:1.我国北方风沙地貌主要分布在新疆、内蒙古、青海、宁夏、甘肃、陕西、吉林、黑龙江8省区,其中以新疆、内蒙古的面积最广、地貌类型最丰富;2.类型多样性上,干旱区沙漠的地貌类型远比半干旱区的沙地丰富,其中有些类型分布普遍,还有些类型仅仅局限于特定区域,是在特定的风力、风向、植被等作用下形成的;3.沙丘动态上,沙漠除古尔班通古特与乌兰布和沙漠以固定、半固定为主外其他都以流动为主,沙地沙丘则以固定、半固定状态占优势。本文从沙丘形态类型角度分析了我国风沙地貌的最新特征,具有定位、定量特点,所建数据库不仅能用于风沙地貌的定期遥感监测,还能对沙丘形态演化进行定位监测研究。     

柴达木盆地东北部哈勒腾河流域风成沉积物粒度特征与空间差异

哈勒腾河流域位于柴达木盆地东北部,是一个近似封闭的内陆盆地。该地区风成沉积物来源相对单一,沙丘类型简单且发育时间短,是研究高原内陆盆地物质迁移规律和风沙地貌发育的理想场所。对115个不同类型、不同地貌部位沉积物粒度进行分析。结果表明:哈勒腾河流域地表沉积类型包括沙丘沙、丘间地沉积、河流沉积和戈壁沉积,主要由细沙组成,平均含量达51.6%。沙丘沙平均粒径1.01~2.90 Φ,分选性较差至极好(0.28~1.74 Φ),频率曲线呈近对称和中等峰态。该流域发育有独特的穹状沙丘,属于新月形沙丘演化的初期阶段,平均粒径1.55~2.54 Φ,分选中等至较好;尽管表现出从迎风坡和背风坡中部到沙丘顶部颗粒变粗、分选变差的特征,但相对同一地区的新月形沙丘而言分选过程较弱。从区域上来看,在W-E走向的断面上,新月形沙丘从西向东颗粒变粗,分选变差;在NW-SE走向的断面上,新月形沙丘由西北至东南颗粒变粗,分选性无明显变化。这表明,该流域风成沉积物的可能物源包括哈勒腾河流冲积物和山前风化剥蚀产物。     

巴丹吉林沙漠与腾格里沙漠连接带沙丘移动规律北大核心CSCD

巴丹吉林沙漠与腾格里沙漠分别为中国面积第二、第三大流动性沙漠,对两大沙漠连接带新月形沙丘的动态监测可以揭示该地区沙丘形成演化规律,为沙漠连接带风沙地貌发育研究提供科学支撑。通过Google Earth高清历史影像对巴丹吉林沙漠与腾格里沙漠连接带的新月形沙丘带进行监测,分析了两大沙漠交界处沙丘的移动速率和形态变化。结果表明:巴丹吉林沙漠与腾格里沙漠连接带沙丘移动速率范围5.88-19.55 m·a^(-1),平均移动速率10.03 m·a^(-1);移动方向范围109°-135°,平均移动方向122°。风况为沙丘移动提供动力条件,合成输沙方向与沙丘移动方向吻合。受NW、WNW方向输沙影响,新月形沙丘南翼在移动速率增加的同时长度不断伸长,显著区别于北翼。沙丘移动受控于沙丘本身形态,沙丘各形态参数(迎风坡长度、高度、宽度、周长、底面积)与移动速率呈现显著负相关关系(P<0.01)。植被覆盖以及沙丘密度的差异导致了研究区沙丘移动速率的差异。沙丘移动前后,形态参数变化具有复杂性,而沙源丰富度差异以及丘间地灌丛沙包对沙丘形态的改变,是沙丘形态变化复杂性的主要原因。两大沙漠连接带年输沙通量170-521 t·m^(-1),均值为301 t·m^(-1)。     

Annual regime of bedforms, roughness and flow resistance, Lillooet River, British Columbia, BC

A field study to examine the statistical character of dune morphology and the correlation among dune morphology, discharge, and flow resistance was conducted in a meandering reach of Lillooet River, near Pemberton, British Columbia, Canada. The field season spanned the 1995/1996 hydrologic year with sample day discharge events ranging between 33 and 425 m³ s⁻¹. Surveys of the bed morphology along the thalweg in two dune fields (A and B) were completed using an echo sounder with chart recorder that enabled the measurement of more than 4000 dunes. Dune height ranged between 0.08 and 0.96 m, length between 2.01 and 20.99 m, and steepness between 0.02 and 0.10. Histograms of each dune shape (height, length, steepness) sample most often displayed positive skewness and non-Gaussian distributions (Gamma, Beta, and Weibull); median sample height and length histograms displayed positive skewness; and steepness was nearly Gaussian. Histograms of all dimensionless dunes (i.e., measurement divided by average measurement of sample) were Gaussian and slightly leptokurtic. Neither the height nor length of dunes measured in this investigation were successfully predicted by the empirical models of Allen [Allen, J.R.L., 1984. Developments in Sedimentology. Sedimentary Structures: Their Character and Physical Basis, 2nd edn. Elsevier, New York, vol. 30 (A and B), 1256 pp.], Fredsøe [J. Hydraul. Div., Am. Soc. Civ. Eng. 108(HY8) (1982) 932.], or Yalin [J. Hydraul. Div., Am. Soc. Civ. Eng. 90(HY5) (1964) 105.]. Least-squares regression models for dune–height relations produced here are similar to models published by other field researchers; regression models for dune length only conform to those developed elsewhere if the discharge of the study rivers was similar. The energy gradient in dune field A varied within a smaller range than in field B, enabling dune size to become more fully equilibrated with respect to flow environment. Although the average Froude numbers were much less than critical, dunes appeared to wash out towards a plane bed as discharge increased due to a change from a bedload to suspended-load dominated sediment-transport regime. Flow resistance increased most rapidly during changes in base flow and at the beginning and end of the seasonal flood; resistance tended to be smaller in field A than B, reflecting local differences in energy gradient. Flow resistance increased until a dune steepness of 0.070 was attained and then decreased. The steepness value was considered to be coincident with kolk generation [Dyer, K.R., 1986. Coastal and Estuarine Sediment Dynamics. Wiley, NY, 342 pp.], suggesting that macroturbulent flow structures play an important role in defining the roughness of dunes on a channel bed.     

A model for the active origin and development of source-bordering dunefields on a semiarid fluvial plain: A case study from the Xiliaohe Plain, Northeast China

Source-bordering dunefields have been reported in some drylands of the planet, but scarcely in China where there are extensive drylands. This article reports them in China for the first time, and presents a model for their active origin and development on a semiarid fluvial plain by means of satellite image analyses and field investigations. Local- and regional-scale examples are chosen to analyze the spatial patterns of dunefields, as well as the relationships with the fluvial systems in the central part of Naiman Banner where the Jiaolai River runs, and the lower Laoha River, and the middle and lower Ulijimulun River (principal tributaries of the Xiliaohe River). The active origin and development of source-bordering dunefields can be divided into four stages in terms of the spatial patterns of dunefields and channel dynamics: Stage I — individual dunes on the downwind margins of river valleys where running water constantly erodes the steep slopes of valley and where the downwind slopes orient to local dominant winds; Stage II — individual local-scale dunefields formed by deflation of the steep valley slopes and extending antecedent dunes downwind, together with the downstream displacement of meanders; Stage III — individual large-scale dunefield belts along the downwind margins of river valleys formed through frequent lateral migrations of channel; Stage IV — regional-scale dunefields formed mainly by river diversions due to climatic changes or tectonic movements. On the one hand, it is the running water's lateral migration, especially meandering, that prepares suitable places for aeolian systems in terms of both wind flow fields and sand sources, and subsequently it can further cause separate local-scale source-bordering dunefields to link together as a regional-scale dunefield belt given sufficient time. On the other hand, diversions of the river are bound to occur following changing hydrologic regimes resulting from tectonic movements or significant climate change (at regional and millennium scales). As a result, when some dunefield belts as well as the adjacent channels are abandoned, new channels work elsewhere in the same way to actively form new source-bordering dunefields and even dunefield belts at a regional scale.     

库姆塔格沙漠沉积物粒度端元特征及其物源启示

关于沙漠沉积物粒度的研究已经开展得十分广泛,但是从粒度资料中提取沙漠沉积物的搬运和物源信息的工作仍较薄弱。为此,将端元模型分析技术应用到沙漠沉积物物源判断研究中,对库姆塔格沙漠的沉积物(包括沙丘和丘间地)进行粒度端元提取,并结合各端元的沉积动力特征、空间分布格局及与潜在物源的对比,对沙漠的物质来源进行了判断。结果表明:端元1(66.90~309.52 μm)为由三垄沙、雅丹和阿尔金山冲洪积物共同组成的细粒跃移质;端元2(163.48~586.00 μm)为全由三垄沙和雅丹贡献的较粗跃移质;端元3(309.52~2 711.36 μm和66.90~143.90 μm)则为被后期改造了的阿尔金山冲洪积物。通过各端元的空间分布格局和与潜在物源沉积物端元的对比,我们认为三垄沙、雅丹和阿尔金山冲洪积物均为库姆塔格沙漠沙丘和丘间地提供了物源供应,但北部的三垄沙和雅丹对沙丘贡献较多,而南部的阿尔金山冲洪积物则对丘间地贡献较多。另外,通过对端元1的分析,我们更倾向于认为在库姆塔格沙漠沉积物的部分粒级和局部地区存在丘间地为沙丘提供物源这一过程。     

古尔班通古特沙漠东南部植被线形沙丘内部构造及发育模式

在野外调查基础上,应用探地雷达（GPR）对古尔班通古特沙漠东南部植被线形沙丘内部构造进行探测,获取了沙丘内部构造的雷达相图像信息,结合区域自然地理和沙丘形态特征分析,初步探讨植被线形沙丘内部构造的演化模式。结果表明：（1）GPR探测揭示了沙丘地表以下3—5 m深度的浅层构造信息,可识别沙丘中上部和丘顶部位的高倾角、上凸形和楔状交错层理、沙丘中下部和丘间地的低倾角-近水平层理构造,反映了沙丘上部风沙蚀积活动较强烈,而两翼中下部和丘间地以风沙加积为主。（2）从沙漠边缘到沙漠中心,植被线形沙丘浅层沉积构造组合由两坡不对称分布向对称分布变化,沙丘横剖面形态亦由两坡不对称向对称形态同步变化,但未发现沙丘侧向迁移的沉积构造证据。（3）依据不同规模沙丘内部构造变化序列,可将植被线形沙丘演化划分为灌丛沙丘、风影灌丛沙丘、垄状沙链、植被线形沙丘等4个发育阶段。随着叠置灌丛沙丘不断合并融入,线形沙丘宽度和高度持续增大,沙丘顶部风沙活动性增强,高倾角、上凸形、楔状交错层理增多。（4）在沙丘表层3—5 m以下块状层理以及GPR探测信号衰减、图像分辨率变差的成因,应在今后工作中进一步验证。此外,系统阐明研究区植被线形沙丘演化过程,尚需补充更多GPR探测资料并开展年代学研究。     

腾格里沙漠南部格状沙丘的形态演变及移动特征

沙丘的形态变化与移动蕴含区域风沙环境和地貌演化的关键信息,是风沙地貌研究的重要内容。以腾格里沙漠南缘的长格状和方格状沙丘为研究对象,利用风况资料和Google Earth卫星影像,监测2009—2020年两种格状沙丘的形态变化并分析其移动特征。结果表明：(1)腾格里沙漠西南缘和东南缘的主风向均为西北风,长格状沙丘分布区的次风向为东南风,方格状沙丘分布区次风向为东风和东南风,都属于低风能环境、中变率风况。西南部风能环境大于东南部,研究区近10年风动力呈衰减趋势。(2)格状沙丘的主副梁长度和间距在增加,其中,长格状沙丘高度增加,方格状沙丘高度在降低。沙丘主梁向东偏移,副梁向南偏移,形态整体保持稳定。(3)长格状沙丘平均移动速率为1.57～1.71 m·a^-1,方格状沙丘平均移动速率为1.63～2.01 m·a^-1,沙丘平均移动方向与合成输沙方向基本一致,沙丘的体积是造成移动速率差异的主因。     

Grain-size features of aeolian sand on the east coast of Hainan Island and the revealed evolutionary processes of the sedimentary environment

The Mudui stratigraphic section represents the typical records of sedimentation processes of sand dunes and interdune depressions on the east coast of Hainan Island.Based on high-density sampling and optically stimulated luminescence(OSL) dating of the strata of the section,the grain-size composition,grain-size parameters,cumulative distribution probability curve,and grain-size-sensitivity indexes(SC/D) were analyzed.The analyzed results show that the grain-size features of aeolian sand,weakly developed sandy paleosol,two-facies(aeolian and aqueous) deposits,and lagoon deposits are all different.This indicates four evolutionary phases of the sedimentary environment of the east coast of Hainan Island since 38 ka B.P.Phase I:38-22 ka B.P.;phase II:22-17 ka B.P.;phase III:17-10 ka B.P.;phase IV:10 ka B.P.-present.The climate experienced the hot-wet/hot-dry,hot-wet/hot-dry,and warm-wet/hot-wet fluctuations,and the sedimentary environment also underwent lagoon deposition,dune and interdune depression deposition,dune stabilization and soil development,shifting sand deposition,and evolutionary processes.     

黄河源区玛多盆地沙漠化土地粒度特征

为探讨黄河源区玛多盆地风沙沉积物分异特征,采集玛多盆地不同沙漠化程度、不同地貌部位、不同动力条件的沉积物样品进行粒度分析。结果表明：（1）玛多盆地沉积物随沙漠化程度增加,平均粒径增大,粗颗粒组分增多,分选性变好,偏度向负偏靠拢,峰态逐渐转向平坦,频率分布曲线也由双峰态转变为单峰态。（2）流动沙丘以中沙和细沙组分为主,分选性好,偏度近对称,峰度为中等尖锐。各个沙丘不同地貌部位沉积物粒度参数分异受风向改变的影响,变化规律不明显。流动沙丘沉积物相较于流动沙地沉积物的粒径更粗,分选性更好,可能是沙丘形成过程中风对沉积物颗粒的再次分选所致。（3）河流阶地剖面沉积物的主要粒级为中沙和细沙,分选中等偏差,偏度为正偏,峰尖锐,河流阶地沉积物的粒度组成与周围风成作用形成的流动沙丘（地）的粒度组成高度相似,极有可能是当地风沙活动的主要物源。     

纵向沙丘和横向沙丘模拟流场的实验研究

实验选用半圆柱体沙丘模型脊线与风洞实验段风向构成6组不同大小的交角, 通过对其纯气流绕流流场、表面压力分布以及风沙堆积形态的观测和分析, 查明了纵向沙丘和横向沙丘模拟流场的结构特征。模拟结果可与野外观测资料对比     

Movement of a small slipfaceless dome dune in the Namib Sand Sea, Namibia

The migration of a small slipfaceless dome dune close to the northern edge of the Namib Sand Sea has been measured by topographic survey. The dune dimensions are 45-m wide and 1-m high with a volume of 551 m³ that has been calculated as the difference between the dune's surface elevation and an interdune surface extrapolated from measurements around the edge of the dune. The migration direction, 64°, and distance moved, 90 m, are measured against stakes set out in 1976. The dune has moved about 90 m between 1976 and 1999. This is an average linear migration rate of around 4 m year⁻¹, and is equivalent to an annual sand transport rate of about 1.2 tonnes m⁻¹ year⁻¹. The calculated total potential sand flow in this part of the Namib Desert is 119 tonnes m⁻¹ year⁻¹, and the resultant potential sand flow is 63 tonnes m⁻¹ year⁻¹. The dune migration is therefore about 1% of the total potential sandflow and 2% of the resultant indicating that dune migration is only a small part of total potential sand transport. The results suggest that small slipfaceless dome dunes are very inefficient at trapping sand, and that winds blowing across the interdune in this area are undersaturated with sand.     

草方格固沙带对垄间新月形沙丘形态和移动的影响

为了探讨草方格固沙带对沙丘形态和移动的影响,在塔克拉玛干沙漠腹地的塔中地区,2004年我们在垄间地设置了观测区,对区内新月形沙丘进行了动态测量。数据分析表明,草方格固沙带对垄间低矮新月形沙丘的逆向演变过程和移动扰动很大:在固沙带迎风边缘邻区,沙丘呈正向演变,沙丘移动速度下降;在固沙带内部沙丘呈逆向演变,移动速度加快,而且逆向演变速率大于自然沙面的沙丘。固沙带不能改变沙丘逆向演变的趋势,但从整体上来看,沙丘在固沙带边缘邻区的正向演变延缓了沙丘的逆向演变速率。固沙带对沙丘形态的影响源于削弱近地表风动力、固定沙面使风沙流趋于极度不饱和,而固沙带通过改变沙丘的形态和体积以及地表风沙流的饱和度进而影响沙丘的移动。