Flow within a trough blowout at Cape Cod

The Province Lands dunefield at Cape Cod is characterised by large parabolic dunes on which have developed very significant numbers of active saucer and bowl blowouts. Blowouts occur across the entire dune landscape but many are initiated on the high lee margins of large erosional ridges and bowl blowouts within the larger parabolic dune landscape. Evolution of these blowouts is characterised by multiple stages. The first few evolutionary stages are described. In addition, the aerodynamics and flow structure within a trough blowout and former saucer blowout developed within a high ridge crest is elucidated from 2D sonic anemometer data, smoke bombs and videography. The flow is characterised by decreasing then increasing flow up the blowout centreline, and marked, highly turbulent opposed flow separation immediately inside and around the marginal entrance walls of the blowout.