The protective role of sparse vegetation in wind erosion

Wolfe, S A; Nickling, W. G.

doi:10.1177/030913339301700104

Cited by 425 publications

(262 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…Field studies have demonstrated that the presence of vegetation effectively reduces aeolian sand transport, and vice versa (Ash and Wasson, 1983;Buckley, 1987;Wolfe and Nickling, 1993;Brown, 1997;Lancaster and Baas, 1998;Levin et al, 2008;Okin, 2008). The complex interplay and feedbacks between vegetation growth and sand transport drives the dune system towards one of the two end-member states: active or stabilized.…”

Section: Characterizing Dune Activitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Remote sensing and spatial analysis of aeolian sand dunes: A review and outlook

Hugenholtz

Levin

Barchyn

et al. 2012

Earth-Science Reviews

171

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Section: Characterizing Dune Activitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Remote sensing and spatial analysis of aeolian sand dunes: A review and outlook

Hugenholtz

Levin

Barchyn

et al. 2012

Earth-Science Reviews

171

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“…Even in semi-arid and arid environments vegetation, although often sparse, protects much of the surface from the erosive forces of wind (Okin, 2008;Wolfe and Nickling, 1993). In addition to removing energy from the wind, vegetation may provide impact points for creeping and cascading sand grains, thus preventing cascades of saltating particles (Bilbro and Fryrear, 1994).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Total vertical sediment flux and PM10 emissions from disturbed Chihuahuan Desert surfaces

et al. 2017

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“…The standing biomass modifies the near surface wind profile and alters soil and atmospheric characteristics (soil structure, surface stability, and air moisture). Vegetation controls wind erosion through various processes: (1) by sheltering the ground surface from erosive forces, reducing the friction velocity under the biomass to lower levels at the soil surface, creating wakes of reduced mean wind velocity, and covering a portion of the ground, thereby limiting the erodible area; (2) through momentum extraction from the wind, by absorbing a part of the total shear stress of the wind and thereby decreasing the shear stress acting on the ground and on the downstream plants; and (3) by trapping and intercepting windborne particles to further reduce their transport capacity (Hagen and Casada 2013;Shao 2000;Wolfe and Nickling 1993). Stronger winds are required to initiate erosion in vegetated areas.…”

Section: Disaster Risk Reduction and Natural Hazardsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ecosystem approach for natural hazard mitigation of volcanic tephra in Iceland: building resilience and sustainability

Ágústsdóttir¹

2015

Nat Hazards

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Living in Iceland, a highly volcanically active island with a historical eruption frequency of 20-25 events per 100 years, involves risks from lava, pyroclastic flows, tephra-fall, and floods from glacier/snow-covered volcanoes. Volcanic eruptions can have detrimental effects on human health, societies, and ecosystems. Eruptions in 2010-2011 proved the value of pre-event planning for some natural hazards. An additional focus is needed on pre-disaster mitigation responses for the effects of tephra-fall on vegetation: As outlined under the UNISDR Hyogo/Sendai Framework for Action, healthy ecosystems and environmental management are key actions in disaster risk reduction (DRR). Iceland's most serious environmental problem is the degraded state of common rangeland in the highlands, where tephra-fall has been catastrophic. Tephra (airborne volcanic material) affects hydrology, air quality, and ecosystems by direct burial or post-eruptive transport, extending its influence far beyond the initial eruption area. Resilience to tephra-related disturbances depends on an ecosystem's overall health. Tall, vigorous vegetation has greater endurance; its initial survival is more likely, while sheltering minimizes secondary transport and hastens recovery. Areas that are sparsely vegetated and already stressed are more vulnerable; there, tephra remains unstable and can cause further damage. Reclaiming vulnerable land and building healthy ecosystems, as represented by the Hekluskógar project, improve the ability of these areas to endure tephra-fall, increasing their resilience and reducing the associated costs to society. Successful DRR for tephra-fall, through the revegetation of degraded land, will require effective governance, multi-sector coordination, and the alignment of policies on land use, agriculture, natural resource management, and climate change mitigation.

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The protective role of sparse vegetation in wind erosion

Cited by 425 publications

References 38 publications

Remote sensing and spatial analysis of aeolian sand dunes: A review and outlook

Remote sensing and spatial analysis of aeolian sand dunes: A review and outlook

Total vertical sediment flux and PM10 emissions from disturbed Chihuahuan Desert surfaces

Ecosystem approach for natural hazard mitigation of volcanic tephra in Iceland: building resilience and sustainability

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