Airflow and sediment dynamics in the vicinity of a dryland valley

Garvey, Brian, Wiggs, G., Castro, I. and Bullard, J. (2000) Airflow and sediment dynamics in the vicinity of a dryland valley. UWERN Annual Conference 2000, Leeds, UK. 18 - 20 Dec 2000.

Record type: Conference or Workshop Item (Other)

Abstract

The interaction of airflow and valley topography can have a significant effect on wind strength and direction and, particularly in dryland environments, this may have important implications on the pattern of aeolian sediment erosion, transport and deposition. This paper presents a first attempt to quantify the impact of incised valley topography on airflow patterns using measurements from both field and wind tunnel investigations.
We present preliminary Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) data from wind tunnel measurements within a 1:1000 scale model of a typical 200 m wide and 40 m deep incised valley. These results are compared to wind data collected along a series of transects across a dryland valley in central Namibia. The results suggest significant alteration of flow upwind, within and downwind of the valley section and these are discussed with reference to sand transport capabilities and aeolian bedform dynamics.

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