Aeolian ResearchPub Date : 2025-03-01Epub Date: 2025-02-10DOI: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2025.100961
Faisal AlNasser , Abdelghani Chehbouni , Dara Entekhabi
{"title":"Influences of soil moisture and vegetation cover on dust emission using satellite observations","authors":"Faisal AlNasser , Abdelghani Chehbouni , Dara Entekhabi","doi":"10.1016/j.aeolia.2025.100961","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aeolia.2025.100961","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents an observational analysis of dust emission co-factors to high winds using remote sensing data across the North Africa and Western Asia dust belt. Co-factors are parameterized in climate and weather models. Observational evidence of their role and functional dependencies advance our capability to model and predict the important role of dust in radiative processes, far-field ecological nutrient transfers, and human health impacts. We use multiple years of high-temporal resolution (hourly) dust plume data, which enables analyses of emission sources, and plume extents. It also allows us to co-locate environmental factors such as wind speed, soil moisture, and vegetation and synchronize them with the time and location of major dust emission events. We focus on the combined effect of these factors in determining the frequency and intensity of dust storms, as well as identifying wind speed thresholds for dust emission at source areas. Key findings reveal wind speed thresholds twice as high as those reported in previous studies. We focus on two case studies to demonstrate the prominence of the co-factors. The case study of the Syrian Desert during the summer of 2022 illustrates the impact of dry soil, strong winds, and declining vegetation cover on the formation of severe dust storms. Additionally, the case study of the Bodélé Depression demonstrates the influence of reduced wind speed on emission frequency. The findings offer insights into how environmental conditions influence dust emission dynamics, establishing the basis for the development of more accurate dust emission models.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49246,"journal":{"name":"Aeolian Research","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 100961"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143376538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aeolian ResearchPub Date : 2025-03-01Epub Date: 2025-02-07DOI: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2025.100962
L.A. de Oro , F. Avecilla , M.S. Larroulet , R.N. Comas , M.J. Mendez
{"title":"Potential PM10 emission from soil affected by different temperatures in a Caldén Forest of semiarid Pampas, Argentina","authors":"L.A. de Oro , F. Avecilla , M.S. Larroulet , R.N. Comas , M.J. Mendez","doi":"10.1016/j.aeolia.2025.100962","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aeolia.2025.100962","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wind erosion is a major soil degradation process in arid and semi-arid environments, like the semi-arid region of Argentina. Xerophytic Caldén forests in these areas, often experience natural summer fires which reduce vegetation cover and its protective effect on the soil. PM10 (particles with diameters < 10 µm) emission is part of the wind erosion process. In the Caldén forest, cyclically fires affect the physico-chemical properties of the soil, depending on surface temperatures. However, information on how these changes affect soil susceptibility to wind erosion and PM10 emission is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of temperatures from 100 to 600 °C on Caldén forest soil with varying vegetation cover and its potential to emit PM10 (PE-PM10). Soil samples were collected from Grassland site (gramineous-herbaceous stratum without woody plants influence) and Forest site (shrubby and arboreal stratum). The study evaluated physical (texture, microaggregation, erodible fraction < 0.84 mm) and chemical (total organic carbon −TOC-) surface changes and PE-PM10 after exposure to different temperatures. In both sites, temperatures above 400 °C decreased TOC and altered physical properties by reducing clay and coarse sands content while increasing silt and fine sands content. Erodible fraction increased and the microaggregation decreased with rising temperature. PE-PM10 was correlated in a linear and positive way with temperature in both sites (p < 0.05), with highest emission at 600 °C. Grassland site showed higher emissions than Forest. These results suggested that higher temperatures reduced clay and TOC content, key to soil stability, leading to increased PM10 emissions as microaggregates break down.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49246,"journal":{"name":"Aeolian Research","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 100962"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143298123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aeolian ResearchPub Date : 2025-03-01Epub Date: 2025-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2024.100959
Robert McSweeney, Ingrid Luffman, Arpita Nandi
{"title":"Aeolian influences on gully erosion in clay-rich soils in a humid subtropical climate, Southeast USA","authors":"Robert McSweeney, Ingrid Luffman, Arpita Nandi","doi":"10.1016/j.aeolia.2024.100959","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aeolia.2024.100959","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluates aeolian processes as significant but overlooked factors in runoff-driven gully erosion in humid subtropical climates. A network of 105 erosion pins installed in gully channels, interfluves, and sidewalls on an eroding hillslope in southern Appalachia was monitored weekly (2012–2018); concurrently, meteorological data were collected on site every 5 min. Wind variables were aggregated to weekly periods and statistical analyses (correlation, autocorrelation, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression) were performed to (i) determine impacts of wind and wind-driven rain on gully erosion, (ii) assess seasonal gully erosion patterns relative to wind and wind-driven rain, and (iii) evaluate slope aspect effects on erosion of gully sidewalls. Annual OLS regression models for gully erosion using wind variables had low explanatory power (adjusted R<sup>2</sup> = 0.067 (channels) to 0.197 (sidewalls)). The greatest gully erosion activity occurred in winter and spring aligning with periods of highest wind speeds; seasonal erosion and wind patterns were confirmed with autocorrelation. Seasonal OLS regression models had higher explanatory power (adjusted R<sup>2</sup> = 0.044 to 0.367), with strongest models in autumn, suggesting seasonal importance of wind-related drivers for gully erosion. Southwesterly prevailing wind direction was normal to the gully axis, suggesting influence of slope aspect; higher erosion rates were recorded in the windward sidewalls but differences were statistically insignificant. Though rainfall and freeze–thaw activity are primary drivers of gully erosion in southern Appalachia, this analysis confirms that seasonal aeolian processes are significant contributors. These results may be used to improve standard predictive models of gully erosion in humid subtropical climates.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49246,"journal":{"name":"Aeolian Research","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 100959"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143181348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aeolian ResearchPub Date : 2025-03-01Epub Date: 2024-12-21DOI: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2024.100958
Ronald S. Treminio , Nicholas P. Webb , Saroj Dhital , Akasha Faist , Beth Newingham , Colby Brungard , David DuBois , Brandon L. Edwards , Emily Kachergis
{"title":"Dust transport pathways from The Great Basin","authors":"Ronald S. Treminio , Nicholas P. Webb , Saroj Dhital , Akasha Faist , Beth Newingham , Colby Brungard , David DuBois , Brandon L. Edwards , Emily Kachergis","doi":"10.1016/j.aeolia.2024.100958","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aeolia.2024.100958","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Great Basin is at risk of increased wind erosion and dust emissions due to grazing pressure, urbanization, wildfire, and non-native plant invasion. Recent efforts to quantify wind erosion risk on Great Basin rangelands identified high to extreme wind erosion and dust emission hotspots. However, the spatial extent and seasonal variability of dust transport pathways from the Great Basin, and thus the local and regional dust impacts, are not well understood. Here, we computed forward air-parcel trajectories using the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model using the North American Regional Reanalysis 32-km meteorological data and kernel density analysis to describe potential seasonal dust transport pathways associated with three Great Basin wind erosion hotspots. Probability mass-densities for six different heights above ground level (AGL) were estimated to describe the spatial and vertical extent of potential dust transport across North America. A large proportion of trajectories occurred within 0 – 500 m AGL in spring (25.9 % − 32.7 %), fall (33.6 % − 35.1 %), and winter (44.1 % − 53.8 %). The proportion of trajectories at 2000 – 5000 m AGL is highest in summer (32.1 % − 39.8 %) and spring (23.0 % − 23.3 %). Thus, long range west-to-east transport of dust over North America is likeliest in summer. However, local redistribution of dust near hotspots, is more likely in spring, fall, and winter. This study helps to link potential dust transport pathways to wind erosion hotspots for mitigating the local and regional impacts of dust emissions, informing rangeland management strategies, and improving air quality assessments across North America.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49246,"journal":{"name":"Aeolian Research","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 100958"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143181443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aeolian ResearchPub Date : 2025-03-01Epub Date: 2024-12-19DOI: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2024.100957
Phillip P. Schmutz , Tynon Briggs , Samantha Seals
{"title":"Lagging behind: Impact of non-native gravel within a coastal dune system","authors":"Phillip P. Schmutz , Tynon Briggs , Samantha Seals","doi":"10.1016/j.aeolia.2024.100957","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aeolia.2024.100957","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recent research has increasingly focused on the intricate relationship between wind dynamics and sediment transport in coastal settings, particularly how surface features affect aeolian transport processes. Non-erodible roughness elements such as gravel or shell deposits play a significant role by altering wind flow and raising the wind velocity threshold required to mobilize sediment. Despite advancements in modeling, fully understanding sediment transport dynamics remains challenging due to the complex interactions between surface features and wind dynamics. This study explores the influence of non-erodible lag surfaces on sediment transport in sandy barrier island environments. Fieldwork on Santa Rosa Island, Florida, involved two plots: one with a natural sandy surface and another with a gravel lag surface. Wind and sediment transport were monitored for three months using cup anemometers and Wenglor particle counters. Spline regression models identified a two-knot system at wind speed thresholds of 9 ms<sup>−1</sup> and 11 ms<sup>−1</sup>, representing critical changes in sediment transport dynamics. Our results show that non-erodible surfaces significantly reduce sediment transport at lower wind speeds. At wind speeds below 9 ms<sup>−1</sup>, sediment transport on the lag surface was 131 percent lower than on the non-lag surface. However, as wind speeds increased, the influence of the lag surface diminished, and no significant difference in transport was observed at wind speeds above 11 ms<sup>−1</sup>. These findings emphasize the intricate role of non-erodible elements in reducing sediment transport at lower wind speeds while enhancing transport dynamics under stronger wind conditions. These insights inform future models and guide coastal management practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49246,"journal":{"name":"Aeolian Research","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 100957"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143181444","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aeolian ResearchPub Date : 2025-03-01Epub Date: 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2025.100960
A.L. Cohen-Zada , R.C. Ewing , J. Radebaugh
{"title":"Fluid-driven surface change in sediment-limited interdune environments and relevance to Titan","authors":"A.L. Cohen-Zada , R.C. Ewing , J. Radebaugh","doi":"10.1016/j.aeolia.2025.100960","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aeolia.2025.100960","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Interdune areas and purported playa-type environments in Saturn’s moon Titan’s dune fields show substantial spatial variability in radar backscatter expression. Using examples from Death Valley, the Middle East, and northern China, this work evaluates terrestrial causes of spatial backscatter heterogeneity in similar aeolian environments. It introduces the importance of temporal change detection in interdune area backscatter expression. Using optical images, time-series radar synthetic aperture radar images, and coordinated meteorological and river discharge data (where available), backscatter variations are related to spatially changing sedimentary environments within sediment-limited areas, i.e., interdune and playas, and temporally changing surface or near-surface moisture conditions. In terrestrial environments, backscatter expression varies over seasonal and annual timescales as a function of the cumulative history of surface change, primarily driven by changes in surface and near-surface moisture from either precipitation or groundwater table rise and fall. On Titan, evidence for equatorial methane flow channels suggests that arid-climate surfaces may undergo temporal evolutions like those observed on Earth. Fluid flow and evaporite formation play crucial roles in the existence and alteration of patterns in Earth’s interdunes. By analogy, these mechanisms are also expected to be at work on Titan. Despite differences between terrestrial and Titan radar observations, considering surface dynamics and evolution over time on Titan may be critical for analyzing its arid, equatorial environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49246,"journal":{"name":"Aeolian Research","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 100960"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143181411","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aeolian ResearchPub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-07-22DOI: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2024.100939
Ning Jiang, Hong Cheng
{"title":"Regional differences in the grain size characteristics of surface sediments from typical barchan dunes in arid zones","authors":"Ning Jiang, Hong Cheng","doi":"10.1016/j.aeolia.2024.100939","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aeolia.2024.100939","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The grain size characteristics of aeolian sediments are the combined result of sand sources, regional airflow regimes, dune morphology, etc., and are essential for understanding the formation and evolution of barchan dunes. Based on field investigations and laboratory experimental data, in this paper, we explored differences in the grain size characteristics of the surface sediments of barchan dunes at the southeastern edge of the Taklimakan Desert (TKLM-SE), the western (QB-W) and southern parts of the Qaidam Basin Desert (QB-S), the sand belt connecting the Badain Jaran Desert and the Tengger Desert (BT-B), and their responses to sand sources, dune morphology, and wind regimes. The main results were as follows: (i) The mean grian size distribution patterns of the windward slope toe to the leeward slope toe through the dune crest/ridge varied with different transects of the barchan dunes and different deserts, showing four types including gradually fining (GF), gradually coarsening (GC), coarsening followed by fining (CF), and fining followed by coarsening (FC). The patterns were GF and CF in the TKLM-SE; GF, GC, and FC in the BT-B; GF, GC, and CF in the QB-W; and GF in the QB-S. (ii) The interdune sediments provided the source material for the formation and development of barchan dunes and their grain size varied in different deserts. The interdune sediments were composed of gravel and very fine sand in the TKLM-SE, while they were composed of medium and fine sand in the QB-W, QB-S, and BT-B. (iii) The windward side of the barchans varied with different wind directions, and dune height affected dune surface airflow velocity and direction, changing the pattern of grain size distribution on the dune surface. The wind regime over a ten-day or half-month scale could explain the variance in the grain size distribution patterns better than that on an annual scale. (iv) Grain size characteristics of dune surface sands changed with dune shape due to changes in the surface airflow velocity and direction and the sediment-carrying capacity of the airflow. With an increasing ratio of dune height to dune width, the grain size of the dune crest sands became coarser. These results help advance our understanding of the grain size characteristics of barchan dunes and regional variabilities in their patterns.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49246,"journal":{"name":"Aeolian Research","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 100939"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141960374","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aeolian ResearchPub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-10-11DOI: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2024.100943
Yeong Bae Seong , Kenzie L. Shandonay , Ronald I. Dorn , Brian F. Gootee , Byong Yong Yu
{"title":"Speculation on an early Pleistocene origin of the Parker dunes of southwest Arizona, USA","authors":"Yeong Bae Seong , Kenzie L. Shandonay , Ronald I. Dorn , Brian F. Gootee , Byong Yong Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.aeolia.2024.100943","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aeolia.2024.100943","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Parker Dunes in western Arizona, USA represent the largest dune system in the Sonoran Desert. This study presents a simple <sup>10</sup>Be-<sup>26</sup>Al cosmogenic burial age of 1.90 ± 0.20 Ma, obtained from well cuttings 240–270 m deep in Butler Valley, just east of the dune field. Given the large errors associated with burial dating, we can only speculate that this oldest known aeolian sediment within the Parker Dunes is roughly concurrent with the Bat Cave flood event ca. 2.1 Ma of the nearby Colorado River, as well as regional climatic aridity during the early Pleistocene. Since older dune deposits may be present at other locations in the Parker Dunes, its origin dates back to at least the early Pleistocene. The more important, broader implication rests in highlighting the underutilized potential of well cuttings as a sediment source for cosmogenic burial dating in aeolian research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49246,"journal":{"name":"Aeolian Research","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 100943"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142419633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aeolian ResearchPub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-09-21DOI: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2024.100941
Abby L. Mangum , Gregory T. Carling , Barry R. Bickmore , Nicholas Webb , DeTiare L. Leifi , Janice Brahney , Diego P. Fernandez , Kevin A. Rey , Stephen T. Nelson , Landon Burgener , Joshua J. LeMonte , Alyssa N. Thompson , Beth A. Newingham , Michael C. Duniway , Zachary T. Aanderud
{"title":"Characterizing variability in geochemistry and mineralogy of western US dust sources","authors":"Abby L. Mangum , Gregory T. Carling , Barry R. Bickmore , Nicholas Webb , DeTiare L. Leifi , Janice Brahney , Diego P. Fernandez , Kevin A. Rey , Stephen T. Nelson , Landon Burgener , Joshua J. LeMonte , Alyssa N. Thompson , Beth A. Newingham , Michael C. Duniway , Zachary T. Aanderud","doi":"10.1016/j.aeolia.2024.100941","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aeolia.2024.100941","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dust events originate from multiple sources in arid and semi-arid regions, making it difficult to quantify source contributions. Dust geochemical/mineralogical composition, if the sources are sufficiently distinct, can be used to quantify the contributions from different sources. To test the viability of using geochemical and mineralogical measurements to separate dust-emitting sites, we used dust samples collected between 2018 and 2020 from ten National Wind Erosion Research Network (NWERN) sites that are representative of western United States (US) dust sources. Dust composition varied seasonally at many of the sites, but within-site variability was smaller than across-site variability, indicating that the geochemical signatures are robust over time. It was not possible to separate all the sites using commonly applied principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis because of overlap in dust geochemistry. However, a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) successfully separated all sites based on their geochemistry, suggesting that LDA may prove useful for separating dust sources that cannot be separated using PCA or other methods. Further, an LDA based on mineralogical data separated most sites using only a limited number of mineral phases that were readily explained by the local geologic setting. Taken together, the geochemical and mineralogical measurements generated distinct signatures of dust emissions across NWERN sites. If expanded to include a broader range of sites across the western US, a library of geochemical and mineralogical data may serve as a basis to track and quantify dust contributions from these sources.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49246,"journal":{"name":"Aeolian Research","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 100941"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142310738","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aeolian ResearchPub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-11-12DOI: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2024.100945
Pei Zhang , Brandon L. Edwards , Nicholas P. Webb , Andrew Trautz , John A. Gillies , Nancy P. Ziegler , Justin W. Van Zee
{"title":"An evaluation of different approaches for estimating shear velocity in aeolian research studies","authors":"Pei Zhang , Brandon L. Edwards , Nicholas P. Webb , Andrew Trautz , John A. Gillies , Nancy P. Ziegler , Justin W. Van Zee","doi":"10.1016/j.aeolia.2024.100945","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aeolia.2024.100945","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sonic anemometry represents an important technological advance for aeolian studies, fostering better understanding of near-surface turbulence and improved methods for estimating shear velocity (<span><math><msub><mi>u</mi><mrow><mo>∗</mo></mrow></msub></math></span>). Here, we compare <span><math><msub><mi>u</mi><mrow><mo>∗</mo></mrow></msub></math></span> estimated from the Law of the Wall approach and from four methods that use 3-D wind vector measurements from sonic anemometers: double rotation, triple rotation, planar fit, and a newly developed approach based on invariants of the Reynolds stress tensor. Data were collected over 7.5 months at the Jornada Experimental Range in the Chihuahuan Desert, southern New Mexico, USA. We used <span><math><msub><mi>u</mi><mrow><mo>∗</mo></mrow></msub></math></span> estimates from the double rotation method as a reference for comparing the other methods because of its prevalence in the aeolian literature. On average, <span><math><msub><mi>u</mi><mrow><mo>∗</mo></mrow></msub></math></span> estimates from the other three methods are within 5.0 % of estimates from the double rotation approach. Estimates from the triple rotation approach were 2.2 % lower on average. Estimates from the planar fit method were the most similar, within 1.3 % on average. Estimates from the stress tensor approach were 4.9 % larger on average. We found significant discrepancies, ranging from −14.7 % to 13.7 %, among <span><math><msub><mi>u</mi><mrow><mo>∗</mo></mrow></msub></math></span> estimated from the Law of the Wall and the other methods. This underscores the need for careful methodology selection to ensure accurate characterization of boundary layer turbulence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49246,"journal":{"name":"Aeolian Research","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 100945"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142655170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}