The airflow field and dynamic processes of pyramid dunes

Zhang, Weimin; Qu, Jianjun; Dong, Zhibao; Li, Xiaoze; Wang, Wanfu

doi:10.1006/jare.2000.0643

Cited by 20 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…This indicates a link between inner-boundary layer thickness and nearsurface segment for wind profiles on the dune. Wind tends to transport sand from the windward toe to the crest of the barchan dune (Zhang et al, 2000). Based on friction velocities derived from a wind profile within 0e0.5 m, we calculated the sediment transport rate at different dune positions on the stoss slope.…”

Section: Wind Profiles and Friction Velocity On The Stoss Slope Of Thmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Some researchers believe that although physical and numerical models offer more detailed information about the complex processes regarding sediment transport, wind flow and their interactions with dunes, field investigation is still the dominant approach to study dune dynamics (Livingstone et al, 2007). Zhang et al (2000) concluded that integrated studies that include sedimentary structures and wind-tunnel experiments can make more efficient contributions to an overall, systematic, and thorough understanding of the developmental processes of the dunes than previously used non-integrated study methods.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

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Field measurement and scaled-down wind-tunnel model measurement of airflow field over a barchan dune

Zou

Zheng

et al. 2011

Journal of Arid Environments

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Section: Wind Profiles and Friction Velocity On The Stoss Slope Of Thmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Field measurement and scaled-down wind-tunnel model measurement of airflow field over a barchan dune

Zou

Zheng

et al. 2011

Journal of Arid Environments

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“…Then, vertical accretion became the main movement of the star dune. All of these sedimentary structures were in good agreement with the formation mechanism of the pyramid dunes on the cliff top of the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes (Zhang et al, 2000): the WSW and N arms were formed under the actions of NW and W winds, and these arms often assumed the shape of a transverse dune on one side and formed the second slip face opposite the primary ridge on the other side. Affected by secondary airflow, the subsidiary ridge was generated.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 50%

“…However, the investigations involving trenching only sampled a very small proportion of the total accumulation (McKee, 1966;1982;Kocurek, 1986;Clemmensen, 1987;Nielson and Kocurek, 1987;Zhang et al, 2000). The GPR images of the star dune in the northern part of the Badain Jaran Desert in this study provide the total ac- Fig.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Geomorphological evolution revealed by aeolian sedimentary structure in Badain Jaran Desert on Alxa Plateau, Northwest China

et al. 2011

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The Badain Jaran Desert, located in the Alxa Plateau, Northwest China, features mega-dunes and a unique dune-lake alternation landscape. This paper presented the aeolian sediment structures of three representative dunes in the Badain Jaran Desert using ground-penetrating radar (GPR). We processed and analyzed the GPR data and investigated the feasibility of using integrated GPR and sedimentological data to reconstruct dunes structure, sedimentary environment and geomorphological evolution. The results show that the internal structures of star dune and transverse dune represent various stages of mega-dune evolution: the main deposition processes of mega-dune are similar to those of transverse dunes but have a more complicated mechanism of sand transport and deposition because of the superimposition of dunes; the upper section of the mega-dune has a structure similar to that of star dune, with vertical aggradations on top. Diffraction hyperbolae in the GPR profile indicates that the presence of ancient dunes characterized by calcareous cementation layers is involved in the maintenance of mega-dunes, and water levels, shown by continuous, sub-horizontal GPR reflections, are supposed to be closely related to mega-dunes and the interdune lakes. Outcrop of wet sand and horizontal stratifications on the GPR image indicate moisture potentials with different levels inside mega-dunes. The multiplex geomorphology in the Badain Jaran Desert is the result of global climatic undulation, the unique geographical location, the geological structural features, etc.

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“…These are formed by the prevailing NW wind system alternating with an NE wind system (Wu, 1962;Zhang et al, 2000). Near the basin margin and affected by local air circulation, the dune forms become complex and diverse, such as checkerboard dunes (Wu, 1987), honeycomb dunes, compound longitudinal dunes, barchanoid ridges, pyramid/star dunes and shrub dunes (nabkha).…”

Section: Dune Featuresmentioning

confidence: 99%