Articles | Volume 26, issue 13
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-9643-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-9643-2026
Research article
 | 
09 Jul 2026
Research article |  | 09 Jul 2026

Near-threshold aeolian sand transport: effects of boundary layer flow conditions

Ting Jin and Lifeng Zhou

Cited articles

Almeida, M. P., Andrade, J. S., and Herrmann, H. J.: Aeolian transport layer, Phys. Rev. Lett., 96, 018001, https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.96.018001, 2006. 
Anderson, R. S. and Haff, P. K.: Wind modification and bed response during saltation of sand in air, Acta Mechanica Supplementum, 1, 21–51, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-6706-9_2, 1991. 
Baas, A. C. W. and Sherman, D. J.: Formation and behavior of aeolian streamers, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 110, F03011, https://doi.org/10.1029/2004JF000270, 2005. 
Baas, A. C. W. and Sherman, D. J.: Spatiotemporal variability of aeolian sand transport in a coastal dune environment, J. Coastal Res., 22, 1198–1205, https://doi.org/10.2112/06-0002.1, 2006. 
Bagnold, R. A.: The physics of blown sand and desert dunes, Springer Netherlands, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-5682-7_17, 1941. 
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Short summary
This research explains why wind tunnels often overestimate the wind velocities needed to lift sand. Using advanced computer simulations, we found that the thicker boundary layer creates more powerful wind gusts, making sand transport easier than previously thought. This means dust storms can start at lower wind velocities and be more intense. Our findings will help improve the accuracy of climate and weather models that predict dust storms and their impacts on our environment.
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