Biocrust as a surface protection of erodible nebkhas

• Published in: Earth surface processes and landforms Vol. 49; no. 13; pp. 4523 - 4531
• Main Authors: Tan, Ning‐Jing, Luo, Xiao‐Mei, Wang, Zhen‐Ting
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bognor Regis Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.10.2024
• Subjects: Atmospheric particulates; biocrust; Eolian sands; Erosion resistance; Hardness; nebkha; Rain; Rain water; Semi arid areas; Semiarid zones; Shear strength; Shear tests; Topsoil; Vane shear testing; Water hardness; Wind erosion; Wind resistance

Since the timescale of a nebkha from the initial formation to the eventual destruction might be 1 to 200 years, little is known about the whole evolutionary path. In the phase of erosion and deflation, nebkhas are usually one source of aeolian sand and dust. Biocrust, a common living cover in arid a...