Some statistical properties of aeolian saltation

Abstract

Aeolian sediment transport is a process that commonly occurs on celestial bodies with atmospheric layers and solid surfaces. At present, it is very difficult to predict the instantaneous mass flux accurately. For the purpose of statistical prediction, the near-surface saltating grain count and the wind velocity above the saltation layer are synchronously measured in two dune fields. The duration and intensity of the saltation event obey exponential distribution, whereas sand transportation via saltation events with a smaller probability for a longer duration is significant. It is found for the first time that the Hilbert marginal energy spectrum of mass flux density follows the “−1” power law in a wide frequency range. In addition, the timescales of the energy-containing mass flux density mode and the strong wind–sand interaction of fluctuations are determined.