Aeolian Bed Forms

Abstract

Aeolian bedforms range in size from small-scale (ripples), through medium-scale (dunes) to large-scale (megadunes or draa). This chapter describes the physical characteristics and development of each of these bedform types, including their relationship to airflow and sand transport at different spatial and temporal scales. The effect of vegetation on dune morphology and rate of movement is considered, and the factors which control the broad-scale morphology of aeolian sand accumulations are reviewed.