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Date
2011Type
- Journal Article
ETH Bibliography
yes
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Abstract
Barchans are isolated mobile dunes often organized in large dune fields. Dune fields seem to present a characteristic dune size and spacing, which suggests a cooperative behavior based on dune interaction. In Duran et al. (2009), we propose that the redistribution of sand by collisions between dunes is a key element for the stability and size selection of barchan dune fields. This approach was based on a mean-field model ignoring the spatial distribution of dune fields. Here, we present a simplified dune field model that includes the spatial evolution of individual dunes as well as their interaction through sand exchange and binary collisions. As a result, the dune field evolves towards a steady state that depends on the boundary conditions. Comparing our results with measurements of Moroccan dune fields, we find that the simulated fields have the same dune size distribution as in real fields but fail to reproduce their homogeneity along the wind direction. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000038452Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
Nonlinear Processes in GeophysicsVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
CopernicusOrganisational unit
03733 - Herrmann, Hans Jürgen (emeritus) / Herrmann, Hans Jürgen (emeritus)
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ETH Bibliography
yes
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