Abstract
The allometric relationship between the height of barchan dunes and horn to horn widths is re-examined. The addition of new data from barchans in the Namib Desert and elsewhere confirms the relationship that the height of a barchan is approximately one-tenth of the width of the dune. Height and width of the dune are closely linked to the three-dimensional morphology of the dune, in particular, the relatively constant mean angles of around 11 °at which the side slopes of the dune are maintained. We suggest that the 3-D barchan form is directly controlled by aerodynamic processes. Constant feedback between three-dimensional stoss face (windward) shape of the dune, slipface height and horn to horn width, and shear stress produces an equilibrium dune form.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 193-204 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Geomorphology |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 1998 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Barchans
- Dune height
- Horn width
- Morphometric relationships