Abstract:
Wind regime and sand grain size are two of the factors that determine the morphology and dynamics of sanddunes in desert areas. Regarding the importance of wind effects on sand dunes especially in Iran, in this study,Khartooran Erg was analyzed to determine wind direction and to detect sand source sites. Khartooran Erg is locatedon eastern north of Iran and lies in Khorasan Razavi and Semnan provinces. The area of Erg was determined based on geological andtopographical maps and satellite images. Then, sand dunes of erg were classified, based on aerialphotograph and satellite image interpretation. Sand dune forms in the Khartooran Erg are often barchans andcombination of barchanic ridges, but there are also complex types of linear sand dunes. Based on field surveyfindings, the stabilized in the southern part of the Erg were separated, because of these sand dunes having beendeformed. According to the presented models relationship between morphology and wind direction, the sand duneswere analyzed. The studies have shown that wind prevailing direction is eastern-north to western-south, the strongwind being in north-south direction. It can also be said that sand dunes which are located in the adjacent of Erg andare simple and separate can be used as the most suitable criteria to determine predominant wind. Also, regarding theErg location with respect to upper plains and determined wind direction, it can be noted that sand sources mostlycome from silt-clay flats of ending parts of Sabzevar Kal River rather than Jajarm Kal River.
Machine summary:
"Analysis of sand dunes to determine wind direction and detect sand source sites (case study: Khartooran Erg, Iran) Abstract Wind regime and sand grain size are two of the factors that determine the morphology and dynamics of sand dunes in desert areas.
Regarding the importance of wind effects on sand dunes especially in Iran, in this study, Khartooran Erg was analyzed to determine wind direction and to detect sand source sites.
Also, regarding the Erg location with respect to upper plains and determined wind direction, it can be noted that sand sources mostly come from silt-clay flats of ending parts of Sabzevar Kal River rather than Jajarm Kal River.
Wind regime and grain size are the factors that determine the morphology and dynamics of sand dunes in desert areas (Cooke and Warren, 1973)."