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Journal of Desert Research ›› 2021, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (3): 118-129.DOI: 10.7522/j.issn.1000-694X.2021.00030

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Applicability of three indexes for estimating the intensity of blown-sand activity

Zhaoyun Wang1,2(), Gaihong Niu1,2, Benli Liu1   

  1. 1.Key Laboratory of Desert and Desertification / Dunhuang Research Station of Gobi and Desert Ecology and Environment,Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources,Chinese Academy of Sciences,Lanzhou 730000,China
    2.University of Chinese Academy of Sciences,Beijing 100049,China
  • Received:2021-01-21 Revised:2021-03-16 Online:2021-05-26 Published:2021-05-26

Abstract:

For the construction and operation of transportation and energy infrastructure in sandy area, the intensity of blown-sand activity is an important index that should be considered in designing wind-blown sand control engineering. However, currently there is no easily and widely adopted method to calculate this intensity. In this study, three commonly used indicators, namely wind erosion climatic erosivity, dune activity index and sand drift potential, were selected to compare and analyze the suitability and existing problems of each index after referring multiple specific engineering cases in North China. The results are as follows. (1) Without considering the relevant factors affecting the availability of sand sources around the engineering, such as the coverage of vegetation and gobi gravel, the three indicators cannot reflect the actual wind and sand problems of specific engineering. (2) The sand drift potential calculated using high-precision wind speed and direction data can better express the wind characteristics in arid areas, but its deviation is larger in regions with more precipitation. (3) Significant differences in the intensity of blown-sand activity may exist on two sides of linear engineering such as railways, and there are obvious differences in the protection effects of the same sand control measure. The difference of direction should be made clear when estimating the intensity of blown-sand activity for a specific project. When guiding the construction of the protection system, it is necessary to consider as many climatic factors as possible, such as precipitation, air temperature, wind speed and wind direction. The difference of sand activity intensity, the availability of sand source, the surface coverage, and engineering trend should be take into account together. The study is helpful to propose a method for estimating the intensity of blown-sand activity with high accuracy, wide applicability and good operability in the future, which will provides guidance for the effective design of sand control engineerings.

Key words: the intensity of blown-sand activity, wind erosion climatic erosivity, dune activity index, sand drift potential

CLC Number: