Pähtz, T., Valyrakis, M. , Zhao, X.-H. and Li, Z.-S. (2018) The critical role of the boundary layer thickness for the Initiation of aeolian sediment transport. Geosciences, 8(9), 314. (doi: 10.3390/geosciences8090314)
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Abstract
Here, we propose a conceptual framework of Aeolian sediment transport initiation that includes the role of turbulence. Upon increasing the wind shear stress τ above a threshold value τ′t , particles resting at the bed surface begin to rock in their pockets because the largest turbulent fluctuations of the instantaneous wind velocity above its mean value u¯ induce fluid torques that exceed resisting torques. Upon a slight further increase of τ , rocking turns into a rolling regime (i.e., rolling threshold τt≃τ′t ) provided that the ratio between the integral time scale Ti∝δ/u¯ (where δ is the boundary layer thickness) and the time Te∝√d/[(1−1/s)g] required for entrainment (where d is the particle diameter and s the particle–air–density ratio) is sufficiently large. Rolling then evolves into mean-wind-sustained saltation transport provided that the mean wind is able to compensate energy losses from particle-bed rebounds. However, when Ti/Te is too small, the threshold ratio scales as τt/τ′t∝Te/Ti∝sd2/δ2 , consistent with experiments. Because δ/d controls Ti/Te and the relative amplitude of turbulent wind velocity fluctuations, we qualitatively predict that Aeolian sediment transport in natural atmospheres can be initiated under weaker (potentially much weaker) winds than in wind tunnels, consistent with indirect observational evidence on Earth and Mars.
Item Type: | Articles |
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Additional Information: | This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11750410687 and 41171005). |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Valyrakis, Dr Manousos |
Authors: | Pähtz, T., Valyrakis, M., Zhao, X.-H., and Li, Z.-S. |
College/School: | College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Infrastructure and Environment |
Journal Name: | Geosciences |
Publisher: | MDPI |
ISSN: | 2076-3263 |
ISSN (Online): | 2076-3263 |
Published Online: | 23 August 2018 |
Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2018 The Authors |
First Published: | First published in Geosciences 8(9): 314 |
Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons License |
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