Periodicity in fields of elongating dunes

C. Gadal, C. Narteau, S. Courrech du Pont, O. Rozier, P. Claudin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Dune fields are commonly associated with periodic patterns that are among the most recognizable landscapes on Earth and other planetary bodies. However, in zones of limited sediment supply, where periodic dunes elongate and align in the direction of the resultant sand flux, there has been no attempt to explain the emergence of such a regular pattern. Here, we show, by means of numerical simulations, that the elongation growth mechanism does not produce a pattern with a specific wavelength. Periodic elongating dunes appear to be a juxtaposition of individual structures, the arrangement of which is due to regular landforms at the border of the field acting as boundary conditions. This includes, among others, dune patterns resulting from bed instability, or the crestline reorganization induced by dune migration. The wavelength selection in fields of elongating dunes therefore reflects the interdependence of dune patterns over the course of their evolution.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)343–347
Number of pages5
JournalGeology
Volume48
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2020

Keywords

  • Cellular Automata
  • clastic sediments
  • continental dunes
  • dune fields
  • Dunes
  • eolian features
  • Geomorphology
  • Landforms
  • Mathematical models
  • Patterns
  • Periodicity
  • Sand
  • Sediments
  • Topography

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Periodicity in fields of elongating dunes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this