Model for dune morphodynamics under consideration of multidirectional winds, vegetation and biogenic crusts

• Applicant: Dr. Eric Josef Ribeiro Parteli
• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics ; Physical Geography
• Term: from 2015 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 280821821

The aim is to model the formation of the Earth’s dune fields under consideration of local wind regimes, vegetation and biogenic crusts. This modeling has impact on our understanding of paleoclimate and the remobilization of stabilized aeolian systems under climate change. In particular, one common type of dune in such systems is the vegetated linear dune (VLD), but the conditions for its formation are still uncertain. By means of morphodynamic modeling, the processes controlling VLD elongation and stabilization shall be investigated based on the examples of the VLDs in Strzelecki Desert, Australia, and near the Egypt-Israel border. This area poses one excellent boundary condition for the model: the morphologic transition from VLD at the Negev side to seif and barchan dunes in Sinai, where anthropogenic influences led to removal of vegetation and crusts, and to dune remobilization under recent wind changes. One further type of dune relevant for the investigation of paleoclimate is the star dune. This dune occurs in areas of multidirectional winds, but their growth and spatial distribution are still poorly understood. In this project, a multiscale modeling approach shall be applied to investigate the formation history of the 14 star dunes of Erg Chebbi, Morocco, and validated based on available data on dune topography, wind and sediment flux. The simulations of this project shall help to elucidate the still poorly understood formation history of elongating and accumulating dune fields, and to improve measures of aeolian soil protection with natural sand stabilizers.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants