Field evidence for surface-wave-induced instability of sand dunes

Hicham Elbelrhiti, Philippe Claudin and Bruno Andreotti ()
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Hicham Elbelrhiti: UMR CNRS 7636
Philippe Claudin: UMR CNRS 7636
Bruno Andreotti: UMR CNRS 7636

Nature, 2005, vol. 437, issue 7059, 720-723

Abstract: The dune thing Barchans are crescent-shaped dunes that move faster over desert surfaces than most other dune types. A three-year field study shows how they do it. Collisions and changes in wind direction destabilize the dunes, generating surface waves that form new, smaller barchans. This prevents the formation of a single giant dune, so plays a fundamental role in the development of dune patterns.

Date: 2005
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DOI: 10.1038/nature04058

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