The Impact of Different Underlying Surfaces and Topography on the Wind-Sand Dynamic Environment at the Southern Edge of the Hobq Desert

Xian Zhang (), Xiaoya Yi, Dequan Zhang, Yong Liu, Rigan Xu and Shengbo Xie
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Xian Zhang: Research Laboratory of Desert and Desertification/Dunhuang Gobi and Desert Research Station, Northwest Institute of Eco–Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
Xiaoya Yi: University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Dequan Zhang: Ordos Water Resources Development Center, Ordos 017200, China
Yong Liu: Ordos Water Resources Development Center, Ordos 017200, China
Rigan Xu: Ordos Water Resources Development Center, Ordos 017200, China
Shengbo Xie: Research Laboratory of Desert and Desertification/Dunhuang Gobi and Desert Research Station, Northwest Institute of Eco–Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-14

Abstract: The desert-steppe transition zone at the southern edge of the Hobq Desert features complex topography and frequent wind/sand activities. To explore the impact of different underlying surfaces and topography on the wind-sand environment in this area, field measurements were conducted to analyze the temporal and spatial variations of sand-moving wind conditions and sand drift potential. The results indicate that the average wind speed, sand-moving wind frequency, sand drift potential and sand transport rate in this area were higher in spring and winter than in summer and fall temporally. Spatially, different underlying surfaces and topographic conditions, the characteristics of the average wind speed, sand-moving wind frequency, sand drift potential and sand transport rate were as follows: quicksand surface > grassland surface > shrub surface, and top of slope > quicksand surface > middle of slope. The predominant annual wind directions and sand-moving wind directions were W, WNW and NW. The sand drift direction was towards the E or ESE in winter and spring. This study provides a theoretical basis and scientific support for the development of targeted sand control measures in the desert-steppe transition zone at the southern edge of the Hobq Desert, thereby maintaining regional ecological sustainability.

Keywords: Hobq Desert; sand-driving wind conditions; sand transport rate; wind-sand environment; ecological sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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