Wind dynamic environment and wind-sand erosion and deposition processes on different surfaces along the Dunhuang-Golmud railway, China

doi:10.1007/s40333-023-0099-z

Journal of Arid Land

2023, Vol. 15

Issue (4): 393-406 DOI: 10.1007/s40333-023-0099-z

Research article

Wind dynamic environment and wind-sand erosion and deposition processes on different surfaces along the Dunhuang-Golmud railway, China

ZHANG Hongxue¹^,², ZHANG Kecun¹^,^*(

), AN Zhishan¹, YU Yanping³

¹Dunhuang Gobi Desert Research Station, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
²University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
³Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730000, China

Download:

HTML

PDF(2474KB)
Export: BibTeX | EndNote (RIS)

Abstract

The Dunhuang-Golmud railway passes through different deserts in arid areas, especially drifting-sand desert and sandy-gravel Gobi. The near-surface wind environment and wind-sand transport process vary due to different external factors, such as topography, vegetation, and regional climate, resulting in evident spatial differences in surface erosion and deposition. Consequently, the measures for preventing wind-sand hazards will differ. However, the mechanism and control theory of sand damage remain poorly understood. In this study, we used meteorological observation, three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning, and grain-size analysis to compare and evaluate the spatial distribution of wind conditions, sand erosion and deposition patterns, and grain composition in the drifting-sand desert and sandy-gravel Gobi along the Dunhuang-Golmud railway in China. Results show that the annual mean wind speed, the frequency of sand-driving wind, and the drift potential of sandy-gravel Gobi are higher than those of drifting-sand desert, indicating a greater wind strength in the sandy-gravel Gobi, which exhibits spatial heterogeneity in wind conditions. The major sediment components in sandy-gravel Gobi are very fine sand, fine sand, and medium sand, and that in drifting-sand desert are very fine sand and fine sand. We found that the sediment in the sandy-gravel Gobi is coarser than that in the drifting-sand desert based on mean grain size and sediment component. The spatial distributions of sand erosion and deposition in the sandy-gravel Gobi and drifting-sand desert are consistent, with sand deposition mainly on the west side of the railway and sand erosion on the east side of the railway. The area of sand deposition in the drifting-sand desert accounts for 75.83% of the total area, with a mean deposition thickness of 0.032 m; while the area of sand deposition in the sandy-gravel Gobi accounts for 65.31% of the total area, with a mean deposition thickness of 0.028 m, indicating greater deposition amounts in the drifting-sand desert due to the presence of more fine sediment components. However, the sand deposition is more concentrated with a greater thickness on the embankment and track in the sandy-gravel Gobi and is dispersed with a uniform thickness in the drifting-sand desert. The sand deposition on the track of the sandy-gravel Gobi mainly comes from the east side of the railway. The results of this study are helpful in developing the preventive measures and determining appropriate selection and layout measures for sand control.

Key words： surface erosion and deposition wind environment three-dimensional (3D) laser scanner drift potential grain-size characteristic Dunhuang-Golmud railway

Received: 09 December 2022 Published: 30 April 2023

Corresponding Authors: ^*ZHANG Kecun (E-mail: kecunzh@lzb.ac.cn)

	Service
	E-mail this article
	Add to my bookshelf
	Add to citation manager
	E-mail Alert
	RSS
	Articles by authors
	ZHANG Hongxue
	ZHANG Kecun
	AN Zhishan
	YU Yanping

Cite this article:

ZHANG Hongxue, ZHANG Kecun, AN Zhishan, YU Yanping. Wind dynamic environment and wind-sand erosion and deposition processes on different surfaces along the Dunhuang-Golmud railway, China. Journal of Arid Land, 2023, 15(4): 393-406.

URL:

http://jal.xjegi.com/10.1007/s40333-023-0099-z OR http://jal.xjegi.com/Y2023/V15/I4/393

Fig. 1 Overview of the Dunhuang-Golmud railway (a) and the photos of the sandy-gravel Gobi (b) and drifting-sand desert (c)

Fig. 2 Rose of sand drift potential (DP) in the sandy-gravel Gobi (a) and drifting-sand desert (b). RDP and RDD represent resultant drift potential and resultant drift direction, respectively. N, north; NNE, north-northeast; NE, northeast; ENE, east-northeast; E, east; ESE, east-southeast; SE, southeast; SSE, south-southeast; S, south; SSW, south-southwest; SW, southwest; WSW, west-southwest; W, west; WNW, west-northwest; NW, northwest; NNW, north-northwest.

Fig. 3 Frequency of sand-driving wind of easterly and westerly winds in the sandy-gravel Gobi and drifting-sand desert

Fig. 4 Monthly variation of the frequency of sand-driving wind and mean wind speed in the sandy-gravel Gobi and drifting-sand desert

Fig. 5 (a), erosion and deposition on the surfaces of the sandy-gravel Gobi; (b, c, and d), elevation changes along the P1-P1° P2-P2° and P3-P3° sections, respectively; (e), the area percentage of different deposition and erosion thicknesses on the surfaces of the sandy-gravel Gobi. The positive values of deposition and erosion thickness indicate sand deposition, and the negative values of deposition and erosion thickness represent erosion.

Fig. 6 (a), erosion and deposition on the surfaces of the drifting-sand desert; (b, c, and d), elevation changes along the S1-S1°, S2-S2°, and S3-S3° sections, respectively; (e), the area percentage of different deposition and erosion thicknesses on the surfaces of the drifting-sand desert. The positive values of deposition and erosion thickness indicate sand deposition, and the negative values of deposition and erosion thickness represent erosion.

Fig. 7 Grain size distribution of sediments in the sandy-gravel Gobi (a) and drifting-sand desert (b). Each color has three grain size distribution curves, representing three samples from the same sampling site.

Table 1 Grain size composition and characteristic in the sandy-gravel Gobi and drifting-sand desert


[1]	Alhajraf S. 2004. Computational fluid dynamic modeling of drifting particles at porous fences. Environmental Modelling & Software, 19(2): 163-170.

[2]	An Z S, Zhang K C, Tan L H, et al. 2018. Dune dynamics in the southern edge of Dunhuang Oasis and implications for the oasis protection. Journal of Mountain Science, 15(10): 2172-2181. doi: 10.1007/s11629-017-4723-2

[3]	An Z S, Zhang K C, Tan L H, et al. 2022. Morphologic changes of simple star dunes during the growth process in Dunhuang, China. Journal of Mountain Science, 19(4): 1095-1106. doi: 10.1007/s11629-021-6970-5

[4]	Andreotti B. 2004. A two-species model of aeolian sand transport. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 510: 47-70. doi: 10.1017/S0022112004009073

[5]	Baniamerian Z, Mehdipour R, Kargar F. 2015. A numerical investigation on aero-dynamic coefficients of solar troughs considering terrain effects and vortex shedding. International Journal of Engineering, 28(6): 940-948.

[6]	Cai D X, Li S Y, Gao X, et al. 2021. Wind tunnel simulation of the aeolian erosion on the leeward side of barchan dunes and its implications for the spatial distribution patterns of barchan dunes. CATENA, 207: 105583, doi: 10.1016/j.catena.2021.105583. doi: 10.1016/j.catena.2021.105583

[7]	Cheng J J, Jiang F Q, Xue C X, et al. 2015. Characteristics of the disastrous wind-sand environment along railways in the Gobi area of Xinjiang, China. Atmospheric Environment, 102: 344-354. doi: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2014.12.018

[8]	Cheng J J, Xin G W, Zhi L Y, et al. 2017. Unloading characteristics of sand-drift in wind-shallow areas along railway and the effect of sand removal by force of wind. Scientific Reports, 7(1): 41462, doi: 10.1038/srep41462. doi: 10.1038/srep41462

[9]	Dong Z B, Liu X P, Wang H T, et al. 2003. Aeolian sand transport: a wind tunnel model. Sedimentary Geology, 161(1-2): 71-83. doi: 10.1016/S0037-0738(02)00396-2

[10]	Duan S Z, Cheng N, Xie L. 2013. A new statistical model for threshold friction velocity of sand particle motion. CATENA, 104: 32-38. doi: 10.1016/j.catena.2012.04.009

[11]	Farimani A B, Ferreira A D, Sousa A C M. 2011. Computational modeling of the wind erosion on a sinusoidal pile using a moving boundary method. Geomorphology, 130(3-4): 299-311. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2011.04.012

[12]	Ferreira A D, Fino M R M. 2012. A wind tunnel study of wind erosion and profile reshaping of transverse sand piles in tandem. Geomorphology, 139-140: 230-241.

[13]	Folk R L, Ward W C. 1957. Brazos River bar: a study in the significance of grain size parameters. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 27(1): 3-26. doi: 10.1306/74D70646-2B21-11D7-8648000102C1865D

[14]	Fryberger S G. 1979. A Study of Global Sand Seas for Dune Forms and Wind Regime Washington DC: U.S. Geological Survey Press.

[15]	Hereher M E. 2018. Geomorphology and drift potential of major aeolian sand deposits in Egypt. Geomorphology, 304: 113-120. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2017.12.041

[16]	Herzog M, Anders K, Höfle B, et al. 2022. Capturing complex star dune dynamics-Repeated highly accurate surveys combining multitemporal 3D topographic measurements and local wind data. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 47(11): 2726-2739. doi: 10.1002/esp.v47.11

[17]	Horvat M, Bruno L, Khris S. 2021. CWE study of wind flow around railways: Effects of embankment and track system on sand sedimentation. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 208: 104476, doi: 10.1016/j.jweia.2020.104476. doi: 10.1016/j.jweia.2020.104476

[18]	Hu Z H, Gao X, Lei J Q, et al. 2021. Geomorphology of Aeolian Dunes in the Western Sahara Desert. Geomorphology, 392: 107916, doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2021.107916. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2021.107916

[19]	Iversen J D, Wang W P, Rasmussen K R, et al. 1990. The effect of a roughness element on local saltation transport. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 36(2): 845-854. doi: 10.1016/0167-6105(90)90081-M

[20]	Kang L Q. 2012. Discrete particle model of aeolian sand transport: Comparison of 2D and 2.5D simulations. Geomorphology, 139-140: 536-544.

[21]	Kurosaki Y, Mikami M. 2003. Recent frequent dust events and their relation to surface wind in East Asia. Geophysical Research Letters, 30(14): 1736, doi: 10.1029/2003GL017261, 2003. doi: 10.1029/2003GL017261, 2003

[22]	Lavasani A M, Razi P, Mehdipour R. 2016. Numerical solution of fence performance for reduction of sand deposition on railway tracks. International Journal of Engineering, 29: 1014-1021.

[23]	Li L, Martz L W. 1994. System of numeric models for sand particle transport by wind. Journal of Geophysical Research, 99(D6): 12999-13012. doi: 10.1029/94JD00244

[24]	Liu Z Y, Dong Z C, Zhang Z C, et al. 2019. Spatial and temporal variation of the near-surface wind regimes in the Taklimakan Desert, Northwest China. Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 138(1-2): 433-447. doi: 10.1007/s00704-019-02824-w

[25]	Lopes A M G, Oliveira L A, Ferreira A D, et al. 2013. Numerical simulation of sand dune erosion. Environmental Fluid Mechanics, 13 (2): 145-168. doi: 10.1007/s10652-012-9263-2

[26]	Mehipour R, Baniamerian Z. 2019. A new approach in reducing sand deposition on railway tracks to improve transportation. Aeolian Research, 41: 100537, doi: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2019.07.003. doi: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2019.07.003

[27]	Pye K. 1987. Aeolian Dust and Dust Deposits. London: Academic Press, 108-115.

[28]	Raffaele L, Bruno L, Pellerey F, et al. 2016. Windblown sand saltation: a statistical approach to fluid threshold shear velocity. Aeolian Research, 23: 79-91. doi: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2016.10.002

[29]	Shen Y P, Zhang C L, Wang R D, et al. 2020. Spatial heterogeneity of surface sediment grain size and aeolian activity in the gobi desert region of northwest China. CATENA, 188: 104469, doi: 10.1016/j.catena.2020.104469. doi: 10.1016/j.catena.2020.104469

[30]	Shi L, Wang D Y, Li K C. 2020. Windblown sand characteristics and hazard control measures for the Lanzhou-Wulumuqi high-speed railway. Natural Hazards, 104: 353-374. doi: 10.1007/s11069-020-04172-9

[31]	Smyth T A G, Hesp P A, Walker I J, et al. 2019. Topographic change and numerically modelled near surface wind flow in a bowl blowout. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 44(10): 1988-1999. doi: 10.1002/esp.v44.10

[32]	Tominaga Y, Okaze T, Mochida A. 2018. Wind tunnel experiment and CFD analysis of sand erosion/deposition due to wind around an obstacle. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 182: 262-271. doi: 10.1016/j.jweia.2018.09.008

[33]	Wakes S J, Maegli T, Dickinson K J, et al. 2010. Numerical modelling of wind flow over a complex topography. Environmental Modelling & Software, 25(2): 237-247.

[34]	Wang R D, Li Q, Zhang C L, et al. 2021. Comparison of dust emission ability of sand desert, gravel desert (Gobi), and farmland in northern China. CATENA, 201: 105215, doi: 10.1016/j.catena.2021.105215. doi: 10.1016/j.catena.2021.105215

[35]	Wang T, Qu J J, Ling Y Q, et al. 2018. Shelter effect efficacy of sand fences: A comparison of systems in a wind tunnel. Aeolian Research, 30: 32-40. doi: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2017.11.004

[36]	Wang X M, Dong Z B, Yan P, et al. 2005. Surface sample collection and dust source analysis in northwestern China. CATENA, 59(1): 35-53. doi: 10.1016/j.catena.2004.05.009

[37]	Wang X M, Zhou Z J, Dong Z B. 2006. Control of dust emissions by geomorphic conditions, wind environments and land use in northern China: An examination based on dust storm frequency from 1960 to 2003. Geomorphology, 81(3-4): 292-308. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2006.04.015

[38]	Warren A. 2013. Dunes:dynamics, morphology, history. New Jersey USA: Wiley-Blackwell Press.

[39]	Xiao J H, Yao Z Y, Qu J J. 2014. Influence of Golmud-Lhasa section of Qinghai-Tibet Railway on blown sand transport. Chinese Geographical Science, 25(1): 39-50. doi: 10.1007/s11769-014-0722-1

[40]	Yao H L. 2015. Wind-sand environmental characteristics and integrated protection system of wind-sand hazards in the high dune area of Dunhuang-Geermu railway. Desert of China, 35(3): 555-564. (in Chinese)

[41]	Yu Y P. 2021. Study on formation mechanism and control of blown-sand disaster along the Dunhuang-Golmud Railway. PhD Dissertation. Lanzhou: Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 23-24. (in Chinese)

[42]	Zhang C, Zou X Y, Pan X H, et al. 2007. Near-surface airflow field and aerodynamic characteristics of the railway-protection system in the Shapotou region and their significance. Journal of Arid Environments, 71(2): 169-187. doi: 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2007.03.006

[43]	Zhang C L, Shen Y P, Li Q, et al. 2018. Sediment grain-size characteristics and relevant correlations to the aeolian environment in China's eastern desert region. Science of the Total Environment, 627(15): 586-599. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.270

[44]	Zhang K C, Qu J J, Liao K T, et al. 2010. Damage by wind-blown sand and its control along Qinghai-Tibet Railway in China. Aeolian Research, 1(3-4): 143-146. doi: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2009.10.001

[45]	Zhang K C, Qu J J, Han Q, et al. 2012a. Wind tunnel simulation of windblown sand along China's Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Land Degradation & Development, 25(3): 244-250. doi: 10.1002/ldr.v25.3

[46]	Zhang K C, Qu J J, An Z S. 2012b. Characteristics of wind-blown sand and near-surface wind regime in the Tengger Desert, China. Aeolian Research, 6: 83-88. doi: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2012.08.003

[47]	Zhang K C, An Z S, Cai D W, et al. 2016. Key role of desert-oasis transitional area in avoiding oasis land degradation from aeolian desertification in Dunhuang, Northwest China. Land Degradation & Development, 28(1): 142-150. doi: 10.1002/ldr.v28.1

[48]	Zhang Z C, Dong Z B, Li C X. 2015. Wind regime and sand transport in China's Badain Jaran Desert. Aeolian Research, 17: 1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2015.01.004

[49]	Zhou X S, Zhang Y, Wang Y, et al. 2016. 3D numerical simulation of the evolutionary process of aeolian downsized crescent-shaped dunes. Aeolian Research, 21: 45-52. doi: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2016.03.001

[50]	Zu R P, Xue X, Qiang M R, et al. 2008. Characteristics of near-surface wind regimes in the Taklimakan Desert, China. Geomorphology, 96(1): 39-47. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2007.07.008

[1]	ZHANG Yan, ZHANG Zhengcai, MA Pengfei, PAN Kaijia, ZHA Duo, CHEN Dingmei, SHEN Caisheng, LIANG Aimin. Wind regime features and their impacts on the middle reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River on the Tibetan Plateau, China[J]. Journal of Arid Land, 2023, 15(10): 1174-1195.

[2]	MENG Nan, WANG Nai'ang, ZHAO Liqiang, NIU Zhenmin, SUN Jiaqi. Wind regimes and associated sand dune types in the hinterland of the Badain Jaran Desert, China[J]. Journal of Arid Land, 2022, 14(5): 473-489.

[3]	PANG Yingjun, WU Bo, LI Yonghua, XIE Shengbo. Morphological characteristics and dynamic changes of seif dunes in the eastern margin of the Kumtagh Desert, China[J]. Journal of Arid Land, 2020, 12(5): 887-902.

[4]	ZOU Xueyong, LI Huiru, LIU Wei, WANG Jingpu, CHENG Hong, WU Xiaoxu, ZHANG Chunlai, KANG Liqiang. Application of a new wind driving force model in soil wind erosion area of northern China[J]. Journal of Arid Land, 2020, 12(3): 423-435.

[5]	Xuemin GAO, Zhibao DONG, Zhenghu DUAN, Min LIU, Xujia CUI, Jiyan LI. Wind regime for long-ridge yardangs in the Qaidam Basin, Northwest China[J]. Journal of Arid Land, 2019, 11(5): 701-712.

[6]	BenLi LIU, JianJun QU, QingHe NIU, JunZhan WANG, KeCun ZHANG. Computational fluid dynamics evaluation of the effect of different city designs on the wind environment of a downwind natural heritage site[J]. Journal of Arid Land, 2014, 6(1): 69-79.

Viewed

Full text

Abstract

Cited

Shared

Discussed