3D Dune Skeleton Model as a Coupled Dynamical System of 2D Cross-Sections

Abstract

To analyze theoretically the stability of the shape and the migration process of transverse dunes and barchans, we propose a {\it skeleton model} of 3D dunes described with coupled dynamics of 2D cross-sections. First, 2D cross-sections of a 3D dune parallel to the wind direction are extracted as elements of a skeleton of the 3D dune, hence, the dynamics of each and interaction between them is considered. This model simply describes the essential dynamics of 3D dunes as a system of coupled ordinary differential equations. Using the model we study the stability of the shape of 3D transversal dunes and their deformation to barchans depending on the amount of available sand in the dune field, sand flow in parallel and perpendicular to wind direction.

6 pages, 6 figures, letter

References in corpus (3)

• Minimal model for aeolian sand dunes
• Collision dynamics of two barchan dunes simulated by a simple model
• Emergence of a Barchan Belt in a Unidirectional Flow: Experiment and Numerical Simulation

Cited by in corpus (4)

• Periodicity in fields of elongating dunes
• Bifurcation analysis of the transition of dune shape under unidirectional wind
• Stability of transverse dunes against perturbations; a theoretical study using dune skeleton model
• Stabilization of straight longitudinal dune under bimodal wind with large directional variation