Cross-sectional profiles of sand ripples, megaripples, and dunes: a method for discriminating between formational mechanisms

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)

ZIMBELMAN, J.R.

Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, Etats-Unis

WILLIAMS, S.H.

Education Division, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, Etats-Unis

JOHNSTON, A.K.

Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, Etats-Unis

Description :
Cross-sectional profiles of sand ripples, megaripples, and sand dunes provide a useful tool for discriminating between formation by ripple and dune processes. Feature width, defined as the basal break in slope along the profile to either side of the crest, represents a good standard for comparison of profile attributes across more than three orders of magnitude. Aspect ratio (height/width) as a function of log width separates measurements into clusters representing differing mechanisms of formation. Scaling both height and distance for individual profiles by feature width facilitates comparison of profile shapes across three orders of magnitude in width. The data presented here should prove useful for evaluating possible mechanisms of origin for aeolian features observed remotely, including on planetary bodies.

Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Earth surface processes and landforms, issn : 0197-9337, 2012, vol. 37, n°. 10, p. 1120-1125, nombre de pages : 6, Références bibliographiques : 1 p.

Date :
2012

Editeur :
Pays édition : Royaume-Uni, Chichester, Wiley

Langue :
Anglais