Vertical Distribution of Saltating Particles in a Windsand Flux

Desertification and aridization of once-fertile areas is one of global environmental problems. To solve this problem, it is necessary to understand the dynamic and electrical processes in a wind-sand flux, which are currently understudied. Regularities in the vertical distribution of saltating particles in a windsand flux are ascertained based on experimental data from a desertified area and a wind channel. The effect of the surface wind speed in the desertified area on this distribution is studied. A piecewise exponential approximation of the vertical profiles of particle concentrations with a wind speed-independent height scale and a logarithmic concentration gradient in the lower saltation layer is suggested. The dependence of the lower saltation layer thickness and the height scale on the saltating particle size (100 to 800 μm) is derived for the mass flux of particles in this layer based on measurements of saltating particle flux profiles in the wind channel. The windsand flux parameters determined from measurements in the desertified area and in the wind channel well agree. Our results can be used for modeling the windsand flux dynamics.