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Wind erosion thresholds for planetesimals in protoplanetary discs depend on particle size, cohesion, ambient gas pressure, and gravity. In the experiments reported here, we used a low pressure shear wind tunnel for the first time under real zero gravity. That is, we carried out the experiments in the drop tower in Bremen at |$10^{-5} \text{g}$|⁠. In concert with earlier work, we confirm the applicability of a single semi-empirical equation to describe the threshold shear stress for wind erosion. It can be applied to calculations of unstable orbits of planetesimals and the dissolution of planetesimals passing through evolving planetary atmospheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The index of Erodible Fraction (EF) component against wind is well known as a criteria of soil wind erodibility. This study was conducted to estimate the index of EF by utilizing support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural network (ANN) and genetic algorithm (GA-ANN) methods. For this reason, 95 soil samples were collected 10 cm above the soil surface of Allahabad plain in Qazvin province. Then the percentage of aggregates with a diameter of less than 0.84 mm, pH, EC, soil saturation capacity, SAR, equivalent calcium carbonate, organic matter, clay, sand and silt were measured and used in SVM, ANN and GA-ANNs model construction and testing. Results revealed that the EF had a significant correlation at the level of 1% with five soil characteristics, including pH, EC, SAR, clay and organic matter. On the other hand, the ANNs model developed for EF prediction had higher accuracy (R2 = 0.49) than the GA-ANNs model (R2 = 0.37) and SVMs model (0.02). All models were approximately overestimated and the GMER values for SVMs, ANNs and GA-ANNs models were 1.11, 1.15 and 1.08, respectively. However, according to the Akaike information criterion (AIC), all of them had similar power model estimation. Although SVMs offer good accuracy and perform fast prediction in this study, it did not perform well. This issue may be related to the complexity of the relationship between EF and soil properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increase in span, the flexibility and sensitivity to aerodynamic damage of bridges significantly increase. However, current research studies primarily focus on analyzing the single environment, leaving the safety and durability of bridges under extreme weather relatively understudied, such as snowdrift. This study selects four typical box girder bridges as test models to conduct wind tunnel tests. By analyzing similarity principles and particle properties, polyethylene particles are chosen as the test medium, and their simulation accuracy is validated using a step-type flat roof model. The study then explores wind-induced snow redistribution on the surfaces of the four box girder bridges under different horizontal wind speeds, initial particle heights, and wind attack angles. The results demonstrate that as the surface configurations of the test models become more complex, the particle redistribution becomes more chaotic. Among the three test conditions, the wind attack angle exerts the greatest influence, followed by horizontal wind speed and initial particle height. Notably, the dimensionless redistribution coefficients of particles on the surface of the large-span highway box girder bridge show the largest differences under these test conditions, with average differences and maximum differences reaching 50.3% and 63.5%, respectively, for different wind attack angles. These findings provide data support for the investigation of the safety and durability of real bridges under extreme weather conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Wind-induced erosion is a serious problem that yields soil degradation and environmental pollution. Biocementation technologies have shown potential for sand fixation and wind erosion control in deserts and arid regions. The topic of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of biocementation against wind-induced erosion with different treatment processes. Methods: Biocementation was achieved through soybean-urease induced calcium carbonate precipitation. Three different volumes of treatment solution were used to treat sand specimens by spraying, mixing and the combination methods in this study. The characteristics of sprayed and mixed crust were shown, and the properties of all the biotreated specimens including CaCO3 distribution, wind erosion rate, and penetration resistance were measured. Results: The carbonate content in the soil increased with the amount of treatment solution. At the same dosage, the spraying method concentrated 1.0%-1.4% CaCO3 in the surface soil, while the mixing method generated 0.8% CaCO3 in a uniform spatial distribution. The top-concentrated CaCO3 resulted in a lower initial wind erosion rate of the sprayed specimen. The overall reinforcement of the soil by the mixing method produced higher penetration resistance and inhibited the development of wind erosion. The combination of the two methods increased penetration resistance to 200 N and reduced the wind erosion rate to almost 0 g·m−2·min−1. Conclusion: The spraying and mixing methods induced different distribution patterns of CaCO3 precipitations in soil, leading to varying biocementation effectiveness. To resist severe and continuous wind-induced erosion, a combination of the two methods can be considered to improve the uniformity and strength of biocementation within a certain depth of the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Atacama Desert is amongst the driest places on Earth yet large dust outbreaks seem rare. We present the first quantitative assessment of dust events in the Atacama for 1950–2021 based on station observations. A total of 1920 dust days were recorded with less than 10% being classified as dust storms. We calculated the wind speeds at 5%, 25% and 50% of the dust‐event frequency distribution. The mean wind speed for the threshold of 5% is 10.9 ± 1.6 ms−1 which is twice as large as the values in the Taklamakan, Western Sahel, and Sudan, and consistent with the perceptually infrequent dust activity despite the exceptional aridity. We see no overall long‐term trend but increased dust activity for 1970–1978, 1984–1988 and 2013–2017. A combination of changes in the wind speed statistics and soil conditions, possibly including anthropogenic land‐use changes have led to the variability in dust activity. Plain Language Summary: Little is known about the dust activity in the Atacama Desert in Chile. Our study provides the first assessment of dust events in the past 72 years using dust and meteorological observations from stations in the Atacama. Dust activity is low but we found three periods in the past with more dust activity than today, possibly linked to past changes in soil conditions. The minimum wind speeds required for dust events are much higher than those previously determined for North African and East Asian Deserts, consistent with the rareness of large dust outbreaks from the Atacama. Key Points: Dust activity is rare with dust reports on 1,920 days in 72 yearsThere is no long‐term trend but enhanced activity during three periods, dominated by dust reports from the station Chañaral, is foundMean threshold wind speeds for dust‐event occurrence is 10.9 ± 1.6 ms−1, and is higher than that for North African and East Asian Deserts [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding long-term changes in topography and topsoil grain composition is crucial for the management of agricultural landscapes, especially in areas prone to wind erosion. This study investigates long-term changes in topography and topsoil grain composition within an agricultural landscape in south-western Slovakia. To analyse topographic changes over time, we used high-precision positioning measurements and airborne laser scanning to create digital terrain models (DTM) for the years 2011, 2017 and 2020. To assess changes in soil grain composition, we performed grain size analyses on soil samples collected during three different periods: M1 (1961-1970), M2 (2009-2015) and M3 (2015-2016). Changes in soil texture were evaluated to understand the impact of wind erosion on soil composition. The influence of windbreaks was also analysed by comparing the accumulation and deflation processes. The results showed significant changes in both topography and soil texture over the study period. The DTMs showed marked differences in the accumulation and deflation processes, highlighting areas affected by wind erosion. Comparisons of soil samples showed a shift in dominant soil types from loam and clay loam to silty loam, highlighting the effects of wind erosion. Analysis revealed a decrease in clay and silt content and an increase in sand content, indicating wind-induced soil degradation. The presence of windbreaks played a crucial role in reducing soil erosion by reducing wind speed, promoting soil accumulation and stabilising the landscape up to 80 m windward and 20 m leeward. The study highlights the complex interplay of climate and wind factors in shaping topography and soil properties and emphasises the protective role of windbreaks in agricultural landscapes over time. Our results show that wind erosion significantly alters soil texture, which can affect agricultural productivity. However, windbreaks have proven to be an effective measure in reducing soil erosion and maintaining soil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Affected by global climate warming and changing rainfall patterns, the degree of soil desiccation in arid grasslands has increased and soil wind erosion has become a major environmental concern. Understanding and controlling the characteristics of sand flux and wind erosion caused by the degradation of grassland vegetation, as well as their changing patterns, has become a top priority in combating grassland degradation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to clarify the extent of wind erosion in desert grasslands and its influencing factors in order to provide a theoretical basis and data support for the restoration of grassland vegetation and the sustainable development of grassland livestock production. Methods: Use of SAS and Origin statistical software to perform multifactorial analysis of variance on variables such as year, stocking rate, meteorological conditions and wind-sand flux to determine the degree of influence of different factors on sand flux and the magnitude of interactions among different factors. Results and discussion: The results showed that wind-sand flux was higher when rainfall was low and stocking intensity was high. Specifically, the wind-sand flux increased by 50.3% and 83.6% in the moderate and high grazing treatments, respectively, compared to the control. The data obtained also showed that there was a significant interaction between climate and grazing intensity, suggesting that an increase in one factor may attenuate the differences in wind-sand flux at different levels of other factors. There is likely to be a threshold effect of stocking rate of moderate grazing on the variation of wind-sand flux influenced by different factors. In summary, the factors affecting wind-sand flux in the arid desert steppe are numerous and complex, with stocking rates below moderate grazing being key to reducing wind-sand flux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial accurate mapping of land susceptibility to wind erosion is necessary to mitigate its destructive consequences. In this research, for the first time, we developed a novel methodology based on deep learning (DL) and active learning (AL) models, their combination (e.g., recurrent neural network (RNN), RNN-AL, gated recurrent units (GRU), and GRU-AL) and three interpretation techniques (e.g., synergy matrix, SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) decision plot, and accumulated local effects (ALE) plot) to map global land susceptibility to wind erosion. In this respect, 13 variables were explored as controlling factors to wind erosion, and eight of them (e.g., wind speed, topsoil carbon content, topsoil clay content, elevation, topsoil gravel fragment, precipitation, topsoil sand content and soil moisture) were selected as important factors via the Harris Hawk Optimization (HHO) feature selection algorithm. The four models were applied to map land susceptibility to wind erosion, and their performance was assessed by three measures consisting of area under of receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve, cumulative gain and Kolmogorov Smirnov (KS) statistic plots. The results revealed that GRU-AL model was considered as the most accurate, revealing that 38.5%, 12.6%, 10.3%, 12.5% and 26.1% of the global lands are grouped at very low, low, moderate, high and very high susceptibility classes to wind erosion hazard, respectively. Interpretation techniques were applied to interpret the contribution and impact of the eight input variables on the model's output. Synergy plot revealed that the soil carbon content exhibited high synergy with DEM and soil moisture on the model's predictions. ALE plot showed that soil carbon content and precipitation had negative feedback on the prediction of land susceptibility to wind erosion. Based on SHAP decision plot, soil moisture and DEM presented the highest contribution on the model's output. Results highlighted new regions at high latitudes (southern Greenland coast, hotspots in Alaska and Siberia), which exhibited high and very high land susceptibility to wind erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of water and wind erosion of soil remains critically important. Polymeric materials offer a promising solution to this problem. In this study, we prepared and applied an interpolyelectrolyte complex (IPEC) composed of the biopolymers chitosan and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC) for the structuring of forest sandy soils and the enhancement of the pre-sowing treatment of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seeds. A nonstoichiometric IPEC [Chitosan]:[Na-CMC] = [3:7] was synthesized, and its composition was determined using gravimetry, turbidimetry, and rheoviscosimetry methods. Soil surface treatment with IPEC involved the sequential application of a chitosan polycation (0.006% w/w) and Na-CMC polyanion (0.02% w/w) relative to the air-dry soil weight. The prepared IPEC increased soil moisture by 77%, extended water retention time by sixfold, doubled the content of agronomically valuable soil fractions > 0.25 mm, enhanced soil resistance to water erosion by 64% and wind erosion by 81%, and improved the mechanical strength of the soil-polymer crust by 17.5 times. Additionally, IPEC application resulted in slight increases in the content of humus, mobile potassium, mobile phosphorus, ammonium nitrogen, and mineral salts in the soil while maintaining soil solution pH stability and significantly increasing nitrate nitrogen levels. The novel application technologies of biopolymers and IPEC led to a 16–25% improvement in Scots pine seed germination and seedling growth metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation tillage technology possesses substantial potential to enhance agricultural production efficiency and tackle issues such as wind erosion and land degradation in semi-arid regions. The integration of no-tillage and straw mulching technologies in the conventional aeolian semi-arid agricultural zones of western Liaoning, China, has led to notable improvements in crop yield and soil quality. However, a comprehensive assessment of the mechanisms and kinetics involved in soil nutrient variations is yet to be conducted. During a two-year study period, we assessed four tillage systems in the aeolian semi-arid regions of Northern China: no-tillage with full straw mulching (NTFS), no-tillage with half straw mulching (NTHS), no-tillage without straw mulching (NT), and conventional tillage (CT). The investigation focused on examining nutrient conditions, enhancing photosynthetic activity, and increasing maize yield while improving water use efficiency (WUE). Our findings emphasize the beneficial impact of combining no-tillage and straw mulching on enhancing soil water retention, resulting in a notable rise in soil moisture levels during the crucial growth phases of maize. This approach also positively influenced soil nutrient levels, particularly in the 0–20 cm layer, fostering an environment conducive to maize cultivation. In terms of ecological benefits, no-tillage with straw mulching curtailed soil sediment transport and wind erosion, notably at 30–40 cm heights, aiding in the ecological protection of the region. The yield and WUE were substantially higher under NTFS and NTHS than under CT, with NTHS demonstrating the most significant gains in yield (14.5% to 16.6%) and WUE (18.3% to 21.7%) throughout the study period. A TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) analysis confirmed NTHS as the optimal treatment, achieving the highest scores for soil water, nutrient availability, wind erosion control, maize photosynthesis, yield, and WUE, thus emerging as the most effective conservation tillage strategy for sustainable agriculture in aeolian semi-arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the complex influencing factors of soil erosion is critical for maintaining regional ecological security. The revised wind erosion equation (RWEQ) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) model were used to reveal the primary factors affecting soil erosion. Based on the results of the RWEQ model, the wind erosion area was 8,439.3 km2 in 2018, accounting for 54.3% of the total planning area, and mild erosion, moderate erosion, intense erosion, very intense erosion, and fierce erosion accounted for 18.22%, 11.43%, 11.78%, 10.16%, and 2.74% of the total planning area, respectively. Based on the results of the PLSR model, the results indicate that the proportion of mining land, meteorological indicators, and mean square deviation of slope difference were positively correlated with the soil erosion area, intensity, and severity, respectively. The proportion of grassland and forest land was negatively correlated with the soil erosion area, intensity, and severity. The mean square deviation of slope difference, the mean square deviation of difference in elevation, and the proportion of urban land use contributed the most to the soil erosion severity index, with variable importance in projection (VIP) scores of 1.55, 1.44 and 1.43, respectively. The mean square deviation of slope difference, the proportion of urban land, and the mean square deviation of difference in elevation contributed the most to the soil erosion area, with VIP scores of 1.53, 1.26 and 1.24, respectively. The results provide new insights into wind erosion and the influences of weather conditions and human influences, which can guide regional soil and water conservation planning in wind erosion regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a study on the wind-sand dynamics of blowouts in the Xilingol sandy grassland in Inner Mongolia, China. The study investigates the changes in airflow and sediment transport within the blowouts. The results show that the wind direction inside the blowout is influenced by the direction of the incoming wind, and the rate of wind speed acceleration and sand transport is primarily influenced by wind direction and wind speed. The study provides insights into the formation and development of blowouts and their impact on land resources and human livelihoods. [Extracted from the article]

Sand rice (Agriophyllum squarrosum), widely distributed in Central Arid Asia and prevalent in the sand dunes of northern China, presents a promising potential as a climate‐resilient crop. The plasticity of hypocotyl growth is the key trait for sand rice to cope with wind erosion and sand burial, ensure seedling emergence, and determine plant architecture. In this study, we assessed the overall hypocotyl phenotype of six sand rice elite lines, which were collected from different regions of northern China, and selected by our group over past decade through common garden trials. Significant phenotypic variations were observed in thousand‐seed weight (TSW), seedling emergence percentage, hypocotyl length and diameter, and seedling fresh weight among the lines. The elite line Aerxiang (AEX) exhibited excellent agronomic performance with superior and synchronous emergence, and high survival percentage, distinguishing itself as a prime candidate for further large‐scale cultivation. Contrastingly, the lines from the arid regions showed markedly lower performance. Partial Least Squares Path Modeling (PLSPM) was used to assess the impact of seed provenance climate factors, including annual mean temperature (AMT) and annual mean precipitation (AMP), on trait variability among lines. The findings indicate a significant correlation between climate factors and hypocotyl length, highlighting the intricate adaptation of sand rice to local climate. The comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms behind phenotypic variations offers valuable insights for sand rice de novo domestication and innovative germplasm resources, and lays the foundation for ecological restoration in sandy areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil degradation has led to a continuous decline in the quality of phaeozem, which is seriously threatening the foundation of national food security. Therefore, precisely evaluating the health status of phaeozem resources and their spatial and temporal variations are crucial for ensuring the effective implementation of soil degradation prevention and control strategies. In this study, soil data from 140 sites were collected, and eight physical and chemical indices (sand content, silt content, pedon thickness, organic matter, total potassium, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and pH) were utilized to assess the soil health status of phaeozem in Liaoning Province. The results showed the following: (1) The minimum data set is aligned with previous research findings and effectively mirrors the soil's health condition. (2) The substantial coefficients of variation observed for pedon thickness, sand content, and silt content across regions suggest notable differences, likely influenced by climatic variations, parent material differences, and anthropogenic activities. (3) The study area's average soil pH of 6.39 indicates an overall acidic nature, potentially attributed to intense soil weathering and suboptimal fertilization practices. (4) The soil health index (SHI) ranged from 0.33 to 0.91, with an average of 0.62, which indicates that the majority of the phaeozem in Liaoning Province are in a sub-healthy state (SHI < 0.6 = unhealthy, SHI 0.6–0.8 = sub-healthy, SHI ≥ 0.8 = healthy). These sub-healthy areas are primarily located in hills, mountains, and the Liaohe Plain, and are significantly impacted by rainfall and wind erosion. Meanwhile, unhealthy areas are concentrated in the south and center of the province, characterized by fragile ecological environments and challenging agricultural conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drylands makeup over 40% of the terrestrial land surface area and are highly vulnerable to degradation. The drivers of dryland degradation can lead to shifts in vegetation, such as woody plant encroachment into historic arid grasslands. Encroachment often creates connected bare plant interspaces where wind and water erosion can redistribute resources, including sediment and seeds. Dryland restoration can incorporate methods to reduce these connected pathways, thus mitigating erosion and retaining resources locally. One method to reduce connectivity is through connectivity modifier (ConMod) structures. Quantifying sediment and seeds captured in ConMod structures provides insight into resource movement on the landscape and system‐level resilience. We quantified sediment and germinable seeds captured in ConMods in relation to vegetation along a grassland‐to‐shrubland gradient, measured at multiple scales, in the Northern Chihuahuan desert, United States. We found (1) a significant but weak correlation between ConMod sediment and seed capture; (2) connectivity in the form of bare ground cover at the large and small scale correlated with sediment capture but not seed capture; and (3) sediment and seed capture were both influenced by previously implemented restoration treatments, though differentially. When investigating the capture of different seed functional groups and sizes, we found that grass seed capture increased with proximity to shrubs and that smaller seeds were both captured more frequently and more closely correlated to sediment capture. These findings have implications for the use of ConMods as restoration tools in shrub‐encroached systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservational tillage (NT) is widely recognized globally for its efficacy in mitigating soil loss due to wind and water erosion. However, a systematic large-scale estimate of NT's impact on soil loss reduction in Northeast, China's primary granary, remains absent. This study aimed to investigate the spatial and temporal variability of soil erosion under NT compared to conventional tillage (CT) in the black soil region and to analyze the underlying mechanisms driving these erosions. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and the Revised Wind Erosion Equation (RWEQ) models were employed, incorporating previously published plot/watershed data to estimate the potential reduction of water and wind erosion by NT in this region. Results indicated that under CT practices, water- and wind-induced soil losses were widely distributed in the arable land of Northeast China, with intensities of 2603 t km−2 a−1 and 34 t km−2 a−1, respectively. Furthermore, the erosive processes of water and wind erosion were significantly reduced by 56.4% and 91.8%, respectively, under NT practices compared to CT. The highest efficiency in soil conservation using NT was observed in the mountainous regions such as the Changbai Mountains and Greater Khingan Mountains, where water erosion was primarily driven by cropland slopes and wind erosion was driven by the wind speed. Conversely, the largest areas of severe erosion were observed in the Songnen Plain, primarily due to the significant proportion of arable land in this region. In the plain regions, water-induced soil loss was primarily influenced by precipitation, with light and higher levels of erosion occurring more frequently on long gentle slopes (0–3°) than on higher slope areas (3–5°). In the temporal dimension, soil loss induced by water and wind erosion ceased during the winter under both tillage systems due to snow cover and water freezing in the soil combined with the extremely cold climate. Substantial reductions were observed under NT from spring to autumn compared to CT. Ultimately, the temporal and spatial variations of soil loss under CT and NT practices were established from 2010 to 2018 and then projected onto a cropland map of Northeast China. Based on this analysis, NT is recommended as most suitable practice in the southern regions of Northeast China for maintaining soil health and crop yield production, while its suitability decreases in the northern and eastern regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Loess Plateau is an important source of particulate matter pollution in North China. In order to establish and repair shelterbelts and improve their function of inhibiting wind erosion and dust, four typical shelterbelts (Populus simonii, Pinus tabulaeformis Carr., Pinus tabulaeformis Carr. × Populus simonii and Caragana korshinskii Kom.) were selected to investigate the inhibition rate of soil wind-erosion and the reduction rates of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 by stand type, stand structure and soil properties. A sample plot survey and semi-fixed observation method were used to measure wind speed and particulate matter concentration and to calculate wind protection effect, sand transport rate, vertical flux of particulate matter, wind-erosion inhibition rate and particulate matter reduction rate. The results showed that the Pinus tabulaeformis Carr. forest and Caragana korshinskii Kom. forest had the best windproofing effect, at 2 m (82.9% ± 23.8%) and 0.5 m (54.4% ± 21.5%), respectively. The distribution curve of the sediment flux of shelterbelts is a logarithmic function. The wind-erosion inhibition rate and PM1 reduction rate of the Pinus tabulaeformis Carr. forest were significantly greater than those of other stand types (p < 0.05). The generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) shows that the DBH variation coefficient (CV) can effectively explain the reduction rate of PM1. It is suggested that policies be enacted to add or replace Pinus tabulaeformis Carr. forest in polluted areas to prevent wind erosion and dust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of global climate change, atmospheric nitrogen deposition is increasing, and precipitation patterns are becoming more variable. This study examines the impact of these changes on nitrogen (N) allocation mechanisms in semi-arid region tree species using one-year-old Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) seedlings. The seedlings were planted in soil collected from the Daqinggou Sandy Ecological Experiment Station (42°54′ N, 122°25′ E). Three moisture treatments were applied (WC (normal moisture, approximately 65% ± 2.5% of the field capacity), WI (30% increased moisture), and WD (30% decreased moisture)), as well as three nitrogen treatments (NC (no nitrogen), NL (5 g·m−2·y−1 nitrogen), and NH (10 g·m−2·y−1 nitrogen)). The seedlings were sprayed with a 15N-labeled CH4N2O solution (46% N, 15N abundance 10.14%) in a pot trial, with samples taken in August and October to measure N content and 15N abundance in the seedling organs and the soil. Parameters such as Ndff (%) (the percentage of nitrogen derived from fertilizer), nitrogen content of organs, 15N absorption in organs, and 15N distribution ratio were calculated. The results showed that 15N allocation in seedlings followed the trend leaves > stems > roots. Under moisture treatments, 15N allocation ratios in leaves, stems, and roots were 63.63–71.42%, 14.89–24.14%, and 12.23–14.88% under low nitrogen, and 62.63–77.83%, 13.35–22.90%, and 7.31–19.18% under high nitrogen. Significant correlations were found in 15N abundance among the seedling organs, with coefficients ranging from 0.97 to 1.00. The main effects of moisture and nitrogen, as well as their interaction, significantly impacted 15N abundance in the seedling organs. Changes in moisture levels affected the nitrogen absorption capacity of Mongolian pine. Increased moisture significantly enhanced 15N absorption in all organs, leading to 62.63–71.42% of 15N being allocated to the leaves, maintaining an appropriate proportion with the roots and stems. Nitrogen deposition altered the nitrogen allocation strategy among different organs of Mongolian pine. Under conditions of reduced moisture and low nitrogen, a greater proportion of nitrogen was captured by the roots and stems, with an allocation increase of approximately 4.98–5.77% compared to the control group, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of water deficiency. In conditions of reduced moisture and high nitrogen, the leaves, being active organs, accumulated more limiting elements, with an increase in nitrogen allocation of 2.03–8.07% compared to the control group. To achieve an optimal allocation strategy, moderate nitrogen deposition combined with increased moisture enhanced nitrogen uptake in Mongolian pine seedlings. This study provides scientific evidence for ecological restoration, wind erosion control, and agricultural and forestry management in semi-arid regions under the context of global climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Wind erosion resulting from soil degradation is a significant problem in Iran's Baluchistan region. This study evaluated the accuracy of remote sensing models in assessing degradation severity through field studies. Sentinel-2 Multispectral Imager's (MSI) Level-1C satellite data was used to map Rutak's degradation severity in Saravan. The relationship between surface albedo and spectral indices (NDVI, SAVI, MSAVI, BSI, TGSI) was assessed. Linear regression establishes correlations between the albedo and each index, producing a degradation severity map categorized into five classes based on albedo and spectral indices. Accuracy was tested with 100 ground control points and field observations. The Mann-Whitney U-Test compares remote sensing models with field data. Results showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) between NDVI, SAVI, and MSAVI models with field data, while BSI and TGSI models exhibited significant differences (P ≤ 0.001). The best model, BSI-NDVI, achieves a regression coefficient of 0.86. This study demonstrates the advantage of remote sensing technology for mapping and monitoring degraded areas, providing valuable insights into land degradation assessment in Baluchistan. By accurately identifying severity levels, informed interventions can be implemented to mitigate wind erosion and combat soil degradation in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recognizable shapes of landforms arise from processes such as erosion by wind or water currents. However, explaining the physical origin of natural structures is challenging due to the coupled evolution of complex flow fields and three-dimensional (3D) topographies. We investigate these issues in a laboratory setting inspired by yardangs, which are raised, elongate formations whose characteristic shape suggests erosion of heterogeneous material by directional flows. We combine experiments and simulations to test an origin hypothesis involving a harder or less erodible inclusion embedded in an outcropping of softer material. Optical scans of clay objects fixed within flowing water reveal a transformation from a featureless mound to a yardang-like form resembling a lion in repose. Phase-field simulations reproduce similar shape dynamics and show their dependence on the erodibility contrast and flow strength. Through visualizations of the flow fields and analysis of the local erosion rate, we identify effects associated with flow funneling and the turbulent wake that are responsible for carving the unique geometrical features. This highly 3D scouring process produces complex shapes from simple and commonplace starting conditions and is thus a candidate explanation for natural yardangs. The methods introduced here should be generally useful for geomorphological problems and especially those for which material heterogeneity is a primary factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kyzylkum Desert, as a transition area of different dust source in Central Asia, provides and reserves a large amount of dust transported by different atmospheric circulation systems, affecting Uzbekistan and downwind East Asia. However, there remains very few investigations about sediment sources and control factors of the desert. We hereby first present a provenance study on the Kyzylkum Desert, utilizing detrital zircon U‐Pb ages of samples composed of desert sand, alluvial sediments from Amu Darya River and piedmont of Southwest Tianshan Mountains. The results reveal that the Southwest Tianshan Mountains contribute the majority of the Kyzylkum desert sand, and the river system, dominated by Syr Darya, controls the sediment provenance of the desert. Moreover, little contribution from the Kyzylkum and Nurata segments indicates that wind erosion on the bedrocks is weak. However, the aeolian process is still crucial but deposit and storage of dust are determined by local topography. Plain Language Summary: The Arid Central Asia is commonly considered one of the most important dust sources in the world. The Kyzylkum Desert, located in the center of the multiple dust sources in Central Asia, provides and receives a large amount of dust, affecting Uzbekistan and downwind East Asia. However, research on sediment sources and control factors in the area is under debate. We investigate the potential provenance, spatial variability, and transport patterns of sand in the Kyzylkum Desert using detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology on 10 sediment samples. The results reveal that the Southwest Tianshan Mountains contribute the majority of the Kyzylkum desert sand, however, the proximal provenances also have a significant influence on the formation of the desert. The geomorphologic history shows that, the river system, dominated by Syr Darya, controls the sediment provenance of the Kyzylkum Desert. The wind displays little influence on the rework and recycle process of Kyzylkum Desert, indicated by inhomogeneous composition between northwest and southeast desert. The unmixing model results show evidence of sediments from the Kyzylkum Desert transported to the piedmont areas, but the transport and deposition of dust are primarily controlled by topography. Key Points: Detrital zircon U‐Pb dating indicates that the Southwest Tianshan Mountains are the primary sediment source of the Kyzylkum DesertThe river system controls the sediment provenance of the Kyzylkum DesertTopography determines reserve positions of the aeolian sand and dust from Central Asian deserts [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salix sand barriers have been widely used in arid and semi‐arid regions of northern China as an environmentally friendly approach to control wind erosion. However, the inherent variability in length and thickness of Salix branches complicates achieving the desired fence porosity, typically resulting in an error of approximately 10% or more. This defect affects the fence's wind protection, thereby limiting their broader application. To address these challenges, we conducted a field experiment in the Hobq Desert, where we established Salix fences with porosities of 23%, 37%, and 44%, and measured the airflow velocities around these fences. The results indicated that the fence with 37% porosity exhibited the most effective sheltering effect, providing a protection distance up to 7.14 times of the fence height. A total of 44% porosity fences are also reasonably effective for practical purposes. On the other end of the spectrum, fences with 23% porosity demonstrated a better sediment interception than its high porosity peers, achieving an interception rate of 81.46%. Therefore, we conclude that organic fences made from Salix branches can serve as efficient windbreaks. Our findings provide foundational data for the application of organic fences in arid and semi‐arid regions of northern China, and potentially similar environments globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust transported from rangelands of the Southwestern United States (US) to mountain snowpack in the Upper Colorado River Basin during spring (March‐May) forces earlier and faster snowmelt, which creates problems for water resources and agriculture. To better understand the drivers of dust events, we investigated large‐scale meteorology responsible for organizing two Southwest US dust events from two different dominant geographic locations: (a) the Colorado Plateau and (b) the northern Chihuahuan Desert. High‐resolution Weather Research and Forecasting coupled with Chemistry model (WRF‐Chem) simulations with the Air Force Weather Agency dust emission scheme incorporating a MODIS albedo‐based drag‐partition was used to explore land surface‐atmosphere interactions driving two dust events. We identified commonalities in their meteorological setups. The meteorological analyses revealed that Polar and Sub‐tropical jet stream interaction was a common upper‐level meteorological feature before each of the two dust events. When the two jet streams merged, a strong northeast‐directed pressure gradient upstream and over the source areas resulted in strong near‐surface winds, which lifted available dust into the atmosphere. Concurrently, a strong mid‐tropospheric flow developed over the dust source areas, which transported dust to the San Juan Mountains and southern Colorado snowpack. The WRF‐Chem simulations reproduced both dust events, indicating that the simulations represented the dust sources that contributed to dust‐on‐snow events reasonably well. The representativeness of the simulated dust emission and transport in different geographic and meteorological conditions with our use of albedo‐based drag partition provides a basis for additional dust‐on‐snow simulations to assess the hydrologic impact in the Southwest US. Plain Language Summary: Dust transported from rangelands of the Southwestern United States (US) to the mountain snowpack in the Upper Colorado River Basin during spring (March–May) is a growing problem for water resources and agriculture. Understanding the drivers of dust events is essential to better forecast the possible impact of dust on water resources. We investigated the weather conditions that led to two dust events originating from the Colorado Plateau and northern Chihuahuan Desert. We also performed computer simulations with an improved dust emission model to explore the influence of vegetation on the susceptibility of landscapes to wind erosion during dust events. Our meteorological analysis revealed commonalities in the upper‐level meteorology before dust event formation and provided valuable insights into where and when high‐impact dust events may occur. However, further investigation is needed to generalize the impact of jet stream interaction on dust events' intensity. Our simulations represented the dust sources reasonably well by using an improved dust emission model. The improved dust emission and transport simulation under different meteorological and geographical conditions provided a basis for future dust‐on‐snow simulations to assess the hydrological impact in the Southwestern US. Key Points: Large‐scale meteorological analysis and dust emission and transport simulation of Southwest US dust‐on‐snow eventsPolar and Sub‐tropical jet stream interaction was a common upper‐level meteorological feature to Southwest US dust eventsSimulated dust source areas on the Colorado Plateau and Chihuahuan Desert reflect observed dust emission hot spots [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the most vital ecological regions in China, the well-being of the Inner Mongolia section of the Yellow River Basin directly hinges upon comprehending the variations in its ecosystem. The current research puts emphasis on the analysis of single-factor ecological indicators within the Mongolian section of the Yellow River and lacks summarization and analysis regarding the overall state of the ecosystem within the Mongolian section of the Yellow River. This study, using methods such as remote sensing interpretation and model simulation, combined with ground surveys, analyzes the macrostructure, quality status, service functions, and driving factors of the ecosystem in the Inner Mongolia section of the Yellow River Basin from 2000 to 2020. The results indicate that (1) in 2020, the ecosystem structure in the Inner Mongolia section of the Yellow River Basin was predominantly composed of forest, grassland, and other types of systems. (2) From 2000 to 2020, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Fractional Vegetation Cover (FVC), and net primary productivity (NPP) all showed increasing trends in the Inner Mongolia section of the Yellow River Basin, with NPP showing a slightly greater increase compared to the NDVI and FVC. (3) Over the past two decades, the overall rate of decrease in the wind erosion modulus per unit area was 1.675 t hm−2. (4) An analysis of the drivers of ecosystem changes revealed that while climate change has exerted an influence, human activities have likewise had a substantial effect on the ecosystem over the past 20 years. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the current status and changes in the ecosystem, providing a decision-making basis for subsequent ecological protection and management projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Socioscientific issues (SSIs) can help students think about the moral and ethical issues related to science. When SSI issues are based on local phenomena and issues within students' communities, they can also resonate more with students. This article uses the SSI of tilling to help students understand the pros and cons of this farming practice, but also helps us teach some basic soil principles such as light absorption based on soil coverage, permeability in compact vs non-compact soil samples, wind erosion, water erosion, and the concept of buffers (partially addressing HS-ESS3-4 and HS-ESS2-5). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Milan Gobi area of the Golmud-Korla Railway in northwest China is located in the lower dispersal area of the mountain pass and has strong winds with evident double wind direction characteristics. This study introduced a novel sand fence deployment technique, termed 'folded linear deployment', designed to position the sand fence orthogonally to the two predominant wind directions for optimal protection. This study used wind tunnel and field tests to evaluate the wind and sand flow characteristics, as well as the windproof and sand-resistant performance of folded linear HDPE (High-density polyethylene) board sand fences. The results suggest that the airflow around the fence creates clear zoning characteristics. The deceleration area on the BSF (backwind side of the sand fence) is much larger than that on the DSF (downwind side of the sand fence). Thus, sand particles are primarily deposited on the BSF. At different wind speeds, the airflow at 2 and 5 h on the DSF is not disturbed. The WSP (wind speed profile) presents a logarithmic distribution. The airflow is disturbed at 1–20 h on the BSF, and the WSP gradually deviates from the logarithmic law. However, as the airflow moves away from the fence, the WSP gradually approaches a logarithmic distribution. Meanwhile, the WPE (windproof efficiency) and SRE (sand-resistant efficiency) of the sand fence exceed 80%. In addition, the results of wind tunnel tests are compared with those of field tests. The overall dispersion is good, and the best dispersion is found at z/H = 2.00, indicating good agreement between the two test results. This study provides a scientific basis for the design of sand hazard control measures, similar to the railway project in the Gobi Gale area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In arid regions, the use of ridge cover as a traditional agricultural strategy has been effective in mitigating soil wind erosion. However, few studies have focused on the sand transport characteristics of different micro‐ridge spacings and heights. This study aimed to identify the mechanism by which ridges change the near‐surface sand transport. In a controlled wind tunnel environment, the aeolian sand flux structure and sand transport flux (qz) at heights from 0 to 0.7 m were measured. The results showed that, compared with no ridges, ridge covering could significantly modify the structure of aeolian sand flux near the surface, yielding a substantial reduction in the proportion of sand transport to the total sand transport in the 0‐ to 0.1‐m height layer. In the absence of ridges, blown sand was mainly concentrated in the 0‐ to 0.1‐m height layer, and qz decreased exponentially as the height increased. With various micro‐ridge spacings and heights, when H was less than 0.1 m and L was more than 15H, the blown sand also remained concentrated in the 0‐ to 0.1‐m height layer, and qz decreased exponentially as the height increased. When H increased to 0.15 m from 0.1 m and L decreased from 15H to 5H, the height of the blown sand was concentrated in the 0.3‐ to 0.4‐m layer. The blown sand layer of most ridge structures was concentrated at a height of 0.1–0.4 m, and the structure of the aeolian sand flux resembled an 'elephant nose effect'. The total sand transport rate of all ridge structures was significantly lower than that with no ridges, indicating that a reasonable ridge structure can effectively prevent wind erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leading-edge erosion of a wind turbine blade was tested using a whirling arm rain erosion tester, whose rotation rate is considerably higher than that of a full-scale wind turbine owing to the scale effect. In this study, we assessed the impact pressure of droplets on a wet surface of wind turbine blades using numerical simulation of liquid droplet impact by solving the Navier–Stokes equations combined with the volume-of-fluid method. This was conducted in combination with an estimation of liquid film thickness on the rotating blade using an approximate solution of Navier–Stokes equations considering the centrifugal and Coriolis forces. Our study revealed that the impact pressure on the rain erosion tester exceeded that on the wind turbine blade, attributed to the thinner liquid film on the rain erosion tester than on the wind turbine blade caused by the influence of centrifugal and Coriolis forces. This indicates the importance of correcting the influence of liquid-film thickness in estimating the impact velocity of droplets on the wind turbine blade. Furthermore, we demonstrated the correction procedure when estimating the impact velocity of droplets on the wind turbine blade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of climate change and human activities, Central Asia's (CA) terminal lake basins (TLBs) are shrinking, leading to deteriorating natural environments and serious soil wind erosion (SWE), which threatens regional socio-economic development, human health, and safety. Limited research on SWE and population exposure risk (PER) in these areas prompted this study, which applied the RWEQ and a PER model to assess the spatiotemporal changes in SWE and PER in TLBs in CA, including the Ili River Basin (IRB), Tarim River Basin (TRB), Syr Darya River Basin (SRB), and Amu Darya River Basin (ARB), from 2000 to 2020. We analyzed the driving factors of SWE and used the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model to simulate dust event trajectories. The findings from 2000 to 2020 show a spatial reduction trend in SWE and PER, with primary SWE areas in the Taklamakan Desert, Aral Sea Basin, and Lake Balkhash. Significant PER was observed along the Tarim River, near Lake Balkhash, and in the middle and lower reaches of the ARB and SRB. Over the past 21 years, temporal trends in SWE have occurred across basins, decreasing in the IRB, but increasing in the TRB, SRB, and ARB. Dust movement trajectories indicate that dust from the lower reaches of the SRB and ARB could affect Europe, while dust from the TRB could impact northern China and Japan. Correlations between SWE, NDVI, temperature, and precipitation revealed a negative correlation between precipitation and NDVI, suggesting an inhibitory impact of precipitation and vegetation cover on SWE. SWE also varied significantly under different LUCCs, with increases in cropland, forestland, and desert land, and decreases in grassland and wetland. These insights are vital for understanding SWE and PER in TLBs and offer theoretical support for emergency mitigation in arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durable elastomeric deicing coatings were developed for the anti-icing and deicing of wind turbine blades in this study. Our developed deicing coatings demonstrated extremely low ice adhesion strength (~15 kPa). Silica was added to enhance the icephobic surfaces' durability. The life of the deicing coating with silica was extended by 1.2 times. After 168 h of xenon lamp irradiation, there were no significant changes in the chemical composition of the coatings. Due to the increasing roughness and the decreasing tensile modulus, the contact angle of the aged coatings decreased by 14°. Further outdoor research was carried out on a wind farm for two months to investigate the influence of natural insolation and wind erosion on the elastic deicing coatings. The aged coating still maintained a high hydrophobicity and low ice adhesion strength. The contact angle stabilized at 107°, and the ice adhesion strength was 75% lower than that of the uncoated wind turbine blade. The elastomeric deicing coatings had three advantages: a lagging freezing time, low ice accumulation, and a short icing/deicing cycle. The results of field experiments on the naturally aged coatings showed that the freezing time of the coated blade was delayed by 20 min, and the ice on the coated blade was 29% thinner than that on the uncoated blade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] Researches on the effects of freeze-thaw action on slope soil erosion in the Chinese typical Mollisol Region can deepen the understanding of the mechanism of slope erosion process and provide important scientific basis for slope erosion control. [Methods] Using snowmelt, wind and rainfall erosion driven by a single erosion forces as controls, the effects of freeze-thaw on snowmelt, wind and rainfall erosion were analyzed by designing simulation experiments of freeze-thaw-snowmelt, freeze-thaw-wind and freeze-thaw-rainfall in the typical Mollisol Region of China. The experiment treatment consisted one freeze-thaw action, two snowmelt runoff flows (1 and 2 L/min), one wind velocity (12 m/s), one rainfall intensity (100 mm/h) and one slope (3°). [Results] (1) The freeze-thaw effect significantly increased the amount of slope snow melt, wind and rainfall erosion (p

Abstract Spatial accurate mapping of land susceptibility to wind erosion is necessary to mitigate its destructive consequences. In this research, for the first time, we developed a novel methodology based on deep learning (DL) and active learning (AL) models, their combination (e.g., recurrent neural network (RNN), RNN-AL, gated recurrent units (GRU), and GRU-AL) and three interpretation techniques (e.g., synergy matrix, SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) decision plot, and accumulated local effects (ALE) plot) to map global land susceptibility to wind erosion. In this respect, 13 variables were explored as controlling factors to wind erosion, and eight of them (e.g., wind speed, topsoil carbon content, topsoil clay content, elevation, topsoil gravel fragment, precipitation, topsoil sand content and soil moisture) were selected as important factors via the Harris Hawk Optimization (HHO) feature selection algorithm. The four models were applied to map land susceptibility to wind erosion, and their performance was assessed by three measures consisting of area under of receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve, cumulative gain and Kolmogorov Smirnov (KS) statistic plots. The results revealed that GRU-AL model was considered as the most accurate, revealing that 38.5%, 12.6%, 10.3%, 12.5% and 26.1% of the global lands are grouped at very low, low, moderate, high and very high susceptibility classes to wind erosion hazard, respectively. Interpretation techniques were applied to interpret the contribution and impact of the eight input variables on the model’s output. Synergy plot revealed that the soil carbon content exhibited high synergy with DEM and soil moisture on the model’s predictions. ALE plot showed that soil carbon content and precipitation had negative feedback on the prediction of land susceptibility to wind erosion. Based on SHAP decision plot, soil moisture and DEM presented the highest contribution on the model’s output. Results highlighted new regions at high latitudes (southern Greenland coast, hotspots in Alaska and Siberia), which exhibited high and very high land susceptibility to wind erosion.

The loss of fertile soil due to wind erosion has major impacts on the landscape and the environment. Its intensity and extent depend on many factors, where vegetation cover, soil moisture and wind intensity play key roles. Climatic conditions are constantly developing towards a higher extremity. Episodes of drought associated with a higher risk of wind erosion are longer and more frequent. For farmers, this results in higher demands for management in order to increase resistance against the negative effects of wind erosion. Windbreaks effectively protect the soil by reducing wind speed. This paper describes the automation of the current procedure for the evaluation of the spatial structure of windbreaks by means of advanced image signal analysis (2D) and the subsequent use of machine learning for further classification of spatial structure parameters (optical porosity). Software called Windbreak which enables the evaluation of optical porosity, including the assessment of canopy height, has been developed. The program allows working with digital photographs at the original resolution. The output from the Windbreak software can be also used as input values for determining the effectiveness of windbreaks.

[Objective] In order to explore the relationship between the windbreak direction and the prevailing wind erosion direction in the black soil region of Northeast China. [Methods] The basic characteristics of the windbreak in the study area were obtained by remote sensing interpretation and field survey, and the angle of intersection between the windbreak direction and the prevailing wind erosion direction, that is, the wind direction declination angle, was calculated and analyzed by combining the wind speed and wind direction data of 43 meteorological stations in the study area. [Results] The westerly wind in Mengdong black soil sub-region accounted for a large proportion, the wind direction was more concentrated, the prevailing wind erosion direction dominance was strong, the wind direction in the Songnen black soil sub-region was scattered, and the prevailing wind erosion direction dominance was weak. Average windbreak density Songnen black soil sub-area > Mengdong black soil sub-region; The windbreak direction accounted for the largest proportion in the Songnen black soil sub-area was the N-S trend windbreak direction, and there was no obvious regularity in the Mengdong black soil sub-region. In the study area, the proportion of wind declination angle 30° was 70.40%, and the wind protection effect was poor. [Conclusion] The direction of a large number of windbreak in the study area is oblique to the prevailing wind erosion direction, and the protective effect is poor. The results of this study have important reference value for understanding the density and trend of existing windbreak belts, and for further construction and transformation of windbreak.

Introduction In recent years, one of the most significant environmental crises has been the phenomenon of wind erosion and dust emission. Wind erosion is considered one of the effective factors in desertification and land degradation in dry regions. The process of wind erosion, due to the transport of soil nutrients along with fine particles, is recognized as one of the limiting factors for soil fertility in many parts of the world. Evaluating this type of erosion and estimating the soil loss requires the installation of various measuring stations. Establishing and equipping these stations and providing the necessary equipment require large costs and a long time. In addition to direct measurement methods in wind erosion, the use of modeling results, especially in combination with remote sensing techniques, to study and predict environmental effects, trends, and risk assessment has greatly contributed to research in the last two decades. Therefore, this study aims to monitor and investigate the warning zones of wind erosion in northwest Golestan Province using the wind erosion hazard index (WEHI) model. Materials and Methods To assess wind erosion in the western part of Golestan Province, the WEHI model was implemented. This model predicts the sensitivity of the landscape to wind erosion by considering a set of surface and climatic thresholds and using a geographic information system (GIS). In this model, wind erosion severity is determined in three classes: low, moderate, and severe, by multiplying wind speed by the percentage of bare soil and dividing it by the percentage of soil moisture percentage. To monitor wind erosion, the normalized difference moisture index (NDMI) was used to evaluate soil moisture, and the modified bare soil index (MBI) was used to assess bare soil. For validation, these indices were compared to field data and plots in each working unit. Additionally, three statistical parameters, Pearson correlation coefficient, coefficient of determination (R2), and root mean square error (RMSE), were employed to calculate the correlation between these indices and ground data. Furthermore, a Markov chain model was used to examine changes in wind erosion classes. Finally, after monitoring wind erosion and considering a threshold value for this model, the area of warning zones during the statistical period was investigated. Results and Discussion The results obtained from the WEHI model indicate severe wind erosion intensity in the working units of Atark floodplain deposits, saline lands, longitudinal dunes, Barchan dunes, bare lands, and margins area of wetlands. According to the WEHI model, the region was divided into three classes: low (54% frequency), moderate (21% frequency), and severe (25% frequency). The model classified the northern regions into severe and moderate classes, while the southern areas of the region fell into the low wind erosion class. High correlation coefficients between the WEHI model indices based on remote sensing and field data demonstrate the model's ability to monitor wind erosion over time and at different scales. Wind erosion monitoring results showed that the high wind erosion class increased from 59,940.88 ha to 71,698.3 ha, indicating an increase of 11,757.43 ha. Spatial analysis of wind erosion classes indicated that most changes occurred in central areas, with most areas around the Sangartappeh playa and central regions changed to severe wind erosion class, while western, eastern, and central areas changed to the low wind erosion class. Finally, monitoring the warning zones revealed an increase of 41,000 hectares in the areas under warning, in the western, northwestern, and central regions. Conclusion In this study, the performance of the WEHI model in assessing wind erosion risk in the western part of Golestan Province was confirmed. Although factors such as roughness, soil structure, and organic matter content are not directly considered in the model, they are indirectly incorporated in scoring the percentage of bare soil. To control wind erosion in these areas, planting salt-tolerant species and implementing soil fertility enhancement strategies, such as soil mulching in heavy-textured areas, are recommended. Finally, mechanical operations and the establishment of windbreak networks are suggested for controlling wind erosion in abandoned land units. This research can serve as a useful approach for planning and managing vulnerable areas to wind erosion in northwest Golestan Province.

Dust emission fluxes during wind soil erosion are usually estimated using a dust concentration vertical gradient, by assuming a constant dust flux layer between the surface and the dust measurement levels. Here, we investigate the existence of this layer during erosion events recorded in Iceland and Jordan. Size‐resolved dust fluxes were estimated at three levels between 2 and 4 m using the eddy‐covariance method. Dust fluxes were found mainly constant only between the two upper levels in Iceland, the lower dust flux being often stronger and richer in coarse particles, while dust fluxes in Jordan were nearly constant across all levels. The wind dynamics could not explain the absence of a constant dust flux layer in Iceland. We show that the presence of stationary dust source patches in Iceland, related to surface humidity, created a non‐uniform dust layer near the surface, named dust roughness sublayer (DRSL), where individual plumes behind each patch interact but do not fully mix. The lowest dust measurement level was probably located within this sublayer while the upper ones were located above, such that there the emitted dust became spatially well‐mixed. This explains near the surface in Iceland, the more intermittent dust concentration, its low correlation with the dust concentrations above, and the richer dust flux in coarse particles due to their lower deposition contribution. Our findings highlight the importance of estimating dust fluxes above a dust blending height whose characteristics depend on the dust source patchiness caused by surface humidity or the presence of sparse non‐erosive elements. Plain Language Summary: During soil erosion by wind, dust flux from the surface is estimated at a few meters height, by assuming the existence of a constant dust flux layer between the surface and the dust measurement levels. Here, we investigated for the first time the existence of this layer during erosion events in Iceland and Jordan, by estimating the dust fluxes at three levels between 2 and 4 m height. In Iceland, the dust fluxes were constant only between the two upper levels. In Jordan, the dust fluxes remained constant across all levels. We demonstrates that the absence of a constant dust flux layer in Iceland is due to patches of stationary dust sources, which are related to surface humidity. These patches created a non‐uniform dust layer near the surface, known as the dust roughness sublayer. In this layer, individual plumes behind each patch interact but do not fully mix. The lowest dust measurement level was likely within this sublayer, while the upper measurements were located above it. Our findings highlight the importance of estimating dust fluxes above a dust blending height, which depends on the patchiness of the dust source caused by surface humidity or the presence of sparse non‐erosive elements. Key Points: Size‐resolved dust emission fluxes have been estimated for the first time at different heights during erosion events in Iceland and JordanUnlike in Jordan, the absence of a constant dust flux layer in Iceland is due to the dust source patchiness related to surface humidityOur results highlight the importance of estimating dust fluxes above a dust blending height that depends on the dust source patchiness [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of wind erosion, one of the crucial causes of soil desertification in the world, on the terrestrial ecosystem are well known. However, ecosystem responses regarding soil microbial carbon metabolism to sand deposition caused by wind erosion, a crucial driver of biogeochemical cycles, remain largely unclear. In this study, we collected soil samples from typical aeolian deposition farmland in the Songnen Plain of China to evaluate the effects of sand deposition on soil properties, microbial communities, and carbon metabolism function. We also determined the reads number of carbon metabolism-related genes by high-throughput sequencing technologies and evaluated the association between sand deposition and them. The results showed that long-term sand deposition resulted in soil infertile, roughness, and dryness. The impacts of sand deposition on topsoil were more severe than on deep soil. The diversity of soil microbial communities was significantly reduced due to sand deposition. The relative abundances of Nitrobacteraceae, Burkholderiaceae, and Rhodanobacteraceae belonging to α-Proteobacteria significantly decreased, while the relative abundances of Streptomycetaceae and Geodermatophilaceae belonging to Actinobacteria increased. The results of the metagenomic analysis showed that the gene abundances of carbohydrate metabolism and carbohydrate-activity enzyme (GH and CBM) significantly decreased with the increase of sand deposition amount. The changes in soil microbial community structure and carbon metabolism decreased soil carbon emissions and carbon cycling in aeolian deposition farmland, which may be the essential reasons for land degradation in aeolian deposition farmland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To effectively control mine dust pollution, a polymeric dust suppressant with wetting, bonding and moisture absorption, and retention properties was prepared by graft copolymerization of soy protein isolate (SPI) with polyacrylamide (PAM) and glycerol (Gl) through chemical modification. The relevant properties of the polymeric dust suppressant were determined through microscopic and macroscopic experiments. The results indicated that the contact angle of the polymeric dust suppressant dropped to 28.34° after 15 s, with a rate of change of 2.56°/s. The viscosity of the polymeric dust suppressant was 17.5 mPa s, which meets the requirements for the viscosity of dust suppressants for spraying (5–30 mPa s). After 24 h of spraying, a nonliquid consolidated monolayer shaped on the coal sample surface, with a hardness of 86.3 HA. In a muggy environment, the moisture absorption rate of the polymeric dust suppressant was 31.6%, and the moisture retention rate remained 28.5%, far exceeding that of the coal sample sprayed with water. When the wind speed increased from 6 to 21 m/s, the wind erosion resistance rate of the polymeric dust suppressant decreased from 99.78% to 96.55%, and the average mass loss increased from 0.11 to 1.73 g/(m2·min), while still maintaining a high dust suppression efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimating soil erodible fraction based on basic soil properties in arid lands is a valuable research topic in the field of soil science and land management. The Proximal Sensing (PS) technique offers a non-destructive and efficient method to assess wind erosion potential in arid regions. By using Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) models and combining soil texture and chemical properties, determined through Visible-Near Infrared (vis-NIR) spectroscopy in 96 soil samples, this study aims to predict soil erodibility, soil organic matter (SOM), and calcium carbonate equivalent (CaCO3) in arid lands located in Elkobaneyya Valley, Aswan Governorate, Egypt. Results showed that the soil erodibility fraction (EF-Factor) had the highest values and possessed a strong relationship between slope and SOM of 0.01% in determining soil erodibility. The PLSR model performed better than SVM for estimating SOM, CaCO3, and EF-Factor. Furthermore, the results showed that the spectral responses of CaCO3 were observed in separate places in the wavelengths of 570, 649, 802, 1161, 1421, 1854, and 2362 nm, and the wavelengths with SOM parameter were 496, 658, 779, 1089, 1417, 1871, and 2423 nm. The EF-factor shows the highest significant correlation with spectral reflectance values at 526, 688, 744, 1418, 1442, 2292, and 2374 nm. The accuracy and performance of the PLSR model in estimating the EF-Factor using spectral reflectance data and the distribution of data points for both the calibration and validation data-sets indicate a good accuracy of the PLSR model, with RMSE values of 0.0921 and 0.0836 Mg h MJ−1 mm−1, coefficient of determination (R2) values of 0.931 and 0.76, and RPD values of 2.168 and 2.147, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind erosivity has an intermittent character due to complicated interactions between air streams, surface characteristics, and sediment particles. To experimentally investigate the effect of a sudden and local gust on sediment entrainment, a simple setup was installed in a mobile wind tunnel. One, three, and five consecutive gusts were applied and compared with standard test conditions with steady wind. The applied wind was characterized by total test duration (s), duration of gust (s), mean velocity, peak velocity (m s−1), gust factor, and transport capacity based on sediment-specific threshold velocity. The eroded material was collected by sediment containers. The results suggest that 1. the application of gusts inside the mobile wind tunnel setup is feasible but related to uncertainty concerning the applied wind conditions, and 2. the horizontal transport rate increased with the number of applied gusts. While the highest rates were measured during five gusts on sand, the relative effect of gusts was most accentuated in the comparison of one gust to no gust on loam. The findings highlight how temporally and spatially limited gust impact causes extreme particle entrainment. These particles may subsequently either start erosion or enter vertical dust transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the deposition rates (Td) of mineral aeolian sediments in a forest patch in the semiarid Pampas agroecosystem and to analyze the seasonal variability of such deposition. The average Td was 520.15 kg ha-1 year-1 with high interannual variability. In spring-summer, Td was higher than in autumn-winter. Air temperature and average maximum wind speed influenced Td more significantly. However, the soil cover and management of the agricultural fields surrounding the forest would determine the production of sediment from wind erosion and consequent deposition within the forest. These results show the importance of maintaining forest patches within the agricultural matrix in the semi-arid environment, since they retain eolian sediments that would eventually be deposited on the forest soil, minimizing the negative impacts of wind erosion processes on these ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agricultural frontier in the Semi-arid Pampas Region of Argentina has expanded into marginal environments, resulting in the current reactivation of wind erosion hotspots and desertification processes. Zoning based on soil quality indicators (SQI) reveals differences in soil degradation. The aim of this study was to define zones based on the susceptibility of sandy soils to wind erosion in a 1,4 million hectare plain in the Pampa Medanosa at the south of Cordoba province, Argentina. Soil quality indicators related to wind erosion (erodible fraction (FE), organic carbon (CO) and clay and silt contents, and dry structural stability) were analyzed in samples from 0-5 cm depth at 283 sites. Spatial principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were performed to group sites with similar characteristics and define subregions based on erosion susceptibility. Four subregions (SR) with different susceptibility were identified: SR-I, with the highest potential wind erosion rate (EEP) (65 t. ha-1. year-1), the lowest CO values (10.95 g.kg-1), and the highest FE, 41%, which is above the permissible threshold (40%); SR-II, the largest in extension, with an EEP of 51 t. ha-1. year-1, showed a FE of 36% and 12.47 g.kg-1 of CO; SR-III, with an EEP of 35 t. ha-1. year-1, 31% FE, and 13 g.kg-1 of CO; SR-VI, with an EEP of 20 t. ha-1. year-1, 30% more CO than SR-I, 14.26 g.kg-1, and a FE of 27%. The results have allowed understanding that the Pampa Medanosa is a heterogeneous region where it is necessary to implement wind erosion mitigation techniques and respect the soil's potential use in each subregion to achieve sustainable agricultural production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Empty Quarter Desert, one of Earth's major dust sources, frequently experiences dust storms due to wind erosion. Despite its significance as a primary dust source on a global scale, in‐situ observations from this region had not been reported until very recently. In summer 2022, the WInd‐blown Sand Experiment (WISE) Phase‐1 was initiated in the Empty Quarter Desert of the United Arab Emirates, and continued until 7 February 2023. Utilizing a diverse array of instruments, we measured winds, temperature, humidity, radiation fluxes, saltation, and the physical and optical properties of dust aerosols, atmospheric electric fields, and soil characteristics. A total of 38 distinct sand‐saltation events were recorded from September 2022 to February 2023, with activity peaking between 13:00 and 14:00 local time. Key findings include the identification of dominant wind patterns, and the measurement of the average aerodynamic roughness length (z0) at 0.8 ± 0.6 mm, and the thermal roughness length (zh) at 0.3 ± 0.5 mm—the first estimation of zh for this area. In‐situ observations revealed that dust particle concentrations near the surface increased 1.7‐fold on days with saltation compared to days without it. Moreover, we determined a wind‐speed threshold for initiating saltation at 7.70 m s−1. This comprehensive data set significantly advances our understanding of atmospheric‐soil interactions and sand movement dynamics, providing invaluable insights for ongoing research into desert environments and the global dust cycle. Plain Language Summary: The Empty Quarter Desert, one of the Earth's major dust sources, frequently experiences dust storms due to wind erosion. Despite its importance as a main dust source on a global scale, no in‐situ observations from this region have been reported until very recently. In the summer of 2022, the WInd‐blown Sand Experiment (WISE) Phase‐1 provided crucial data on the arid environment of the Empty Quarter Desert in the United Arab Emirates. Lasting until February 2023, this experiment focused on quantifying environmental and soil characteristics through an array of measurements, including wind direction and speed, temperature, humidity, radiation fluxes, and dust particle concentrations. The study revealed dominant wind patterns, quantified the aerodynamic and thermal roughness of the desert soil, and recorded 38 distinct sand movement events, noting a peak in activity during early afternoon hours. This research is significant for its detailed analysis of particle concentration changes during these events and its establishment of a specific wind speed threshold for sand movement in this region. These findings are invaluable for researchers studying desert environments, particularly in terms of understanding atmospheric‐soil interactions and the dynamics of sand movement. Key Points: First‐of‐its kind experiment in the Empty Quarter Desert to characterize environmental dynamicsThe first estimation of the thermal roughness length (zh) for this desert and is found to be 0.3 mmThe derived wind‐speed threshold for saltation at the Empty Quarter Desert is 7.70 m s−1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction In recent years, one of the most significant environmental crises has been the phenomenon of wind erosion and dust emission. Wind erosion is considered one of the effective factors in desertification and land degradation in dry regions. The process of wind erosion, due to the transport of soil nutrients along with fine particles, is recognized as one of the limiting factors for soil fertility in many parts of the world. Evaluating this type of erosion and estimating the soil loss requires the installation of various measuring stations. Establishing and equipping these stations and providing the necessary equipment require large costs and a long time. In addition to direct measurement methods in wind erosion, the use of modeling results, especially in combination with remote sensing techniques, to study and predict environmental effects, trends, and risk assessment has greatly contributed to research in the last two decades. Therefore, this study aims to monitor and investigate the warning zones of wind erosion in northwest Golestan Province using the wind erosion hazard index (WEHI) model. Materials and Methods To assess wind erosion in the western part of Golestan Province, the WEHI model was implemented. This model predicts the sensitivity of the landscape to wind erosion by considering a set of surface and climatic thresholds and using a geographic information system (GIS). In this model, wind erosion severity is determined in three classes: low, moderate, and severe, by multiplying wind speed by the percentage of bare soil and dividing it by the percentage of soil moisture percentage. To monitor wind erosion, the normalized difference moisture index (NDMI) was used to evaluate soil moisture, and the modified bare soil index (MBI) was used to assess bare soil. For validation, these indices were compared to field data and plots in each working unit. Additionally, three statistical parameters, Pearson correlation coefficient, coefficient of determination (R2 ), and root mean square error (RMSE), were employed to calculate the correlation between these indices and ground data. Furthermore, a Markov chain model was used to examine changes in wind erosion classes. Finally, after monitoring wind erosion and considering a threshold value for this model, the area of warning zones during the statistical period was investigated. Results and Discussion The results obtained from the WEHI model indicate severe wind erosion intensity in the working units of Atark floodplain deposits, saline lands, longitudinal dunes, Barchan dunes, bare lands, and margins area of wetlands. According to the WEHI model, the region was divided into three classes: low (54% frequency), moderate (21% frequency), and severe (25% frequency). The model classified the northern regions into severe and moderate classes, while the southern areas of the region fell into the low wind erosion class. High correlation coefficients between the WEHI model indices based on remote sensing and field data demonstrate the model's ability to monitor wind erosion over time and at different scales. Wind erosion monitoring results showed that the high wind erosion class increased from 59,940.88 ha to 71,698.3 ha, indicating an increase of 11,757.43 ha. Spatial analysis of wind erosion classes indicated that most changes occurred in central areas, with most areas around the Sangartappeh playa and central regions changed to severe wind erosion class, while western, eastern, and central areas changed to the low wind erosion class. Finally, monitoring the warning zones revealed an increase of 41,000 hectares in the areas under warning, in the western, northwestern, and central regions. Conclusion In this study, the performance of the WEHI model in assessing wind erosion risk in the western part of Golestan Province was confirmed. Although factors such as roughness, soil structure, and organic matter content are not directly considered in the model, they are indirectly incorporated in scoring the percentage of bare soil. To control wind erosion in these areas, planting salt-tolerant species and implementing soil fertility enhancement strategies, such as soil mulching in heavy-textured areas, are recommended. Finally, mechanical operations and the establishment of windbreak networks are suggested for controlling wind erosion in abandoned land units. This research can serve as a useful approach for planning and managing vulnerable areas to wind erosion in northwest Golestan Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of mulch stands as a paramount approach in the management of wind erosion and the stabilization of soil and drifting sands. This study aimed to explore the impact of various concentrations of spent liquor (20 %, 30 %, and 50 % v/v) derived from SO2–ethanol–water (SEW) fractionation of Eucalyptus wood on the physical and mechanical properties of sand. These properties encompassed moisture content, thickness, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), wind erodibility, penetration resistance, and seed germination. The findings revealed that the highest compressive strength (0.76 MPa) was attained with mulch consisting of 50 % SEW spent liquor, resulting in a 3.3-fold increase in penetration resistance compared to the control treatment. Furthermore, the 20 % concentration of spent liquor did not adversely affect the germination of black saxaul (Haloxylon ammodendron), whereas the lowest seed germination rate was associated with the 50 % concentration. Based on the measured parameters, the optimal mulch treatment for stabilizing drifting sands was identified as mulch with a 50 % (v/v) concentration. This study underscores the efficacy of SEW spent liquor in dust control and mitigating its environmental impacts, thus highlighting its potential in sustainable soil management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: One of the most important factors of desertification is wind erosion, whose importance and danger on a global scale is no less than water erosion (Refahi, 2010). The emergence of sand dunes in some countries such as China is one of the examples of progress and development of the desert, and in some countries exposed to desertification, this process is less important and other processes such as salinization, destruction of plant resources, etc. are important. It can be said that one of the natural forms and symbols of desert areas is the sand dunes that occupy a considerable area of the desert compared to other natural forms of the desert (Mashhadi et al. 1385). The total area of these hills and sandy areas that occupy or threaten the outskirts of cities, villages, communication lines of the country and infrastructure facilities is estimated to be 13 million hectares, of which about 5 million hectares are active hills. And the rest includes fixed or fossilized hills (Khatsasi et al., 2014). One of the most obvious characteristics of sand dunes is their movement, which causes the loss of non-economic land uses, natural vegetation, etc. to increase the movement and displacement of the dunes. (Dang et al., 2000). Therefore, the timely and correct identification of the changes of such complications creates a basis for a better understanding of the connections and interactions between humans and natural phenomena for better management of resources. Having three wind erosion crisis centers, namely Yaztepe wind erosion crisis center and Mohiniran border post, Gonbadli and Abmal wind erosion crisis center and Samad Abad wind erosion crisis center, in recent years it has been severely affected by wind erosion and expansion There are sand dunes that have caused many problems for people. Results: Based on the studies of the atlas of wind erosion centers in 1379 by the country's forests and pastures organization, the studies of three critical wind erosion centers named Yaztepe-Gonbadli, Abmal and Samadabad have been identified in it, and each center is divided into three regions., transportation and sedimentation have been separated into low to high intensities. These studies are related to the last 20 years, which were compared and analyzed with the areas extracted in 2000 and 2005. The sand areas prepared in 2000, 1250 square kilometers and in 2005, 976 square kilometers have a good match with the locations of wind erosion crisis centers. In the review studies of the critical centers of wind erosion of ferns, which was carried out in 2019 by the engineers of the Tak Sabz consultant, the critical center of wind erosion of Chale Zard was identified and it was suggested by this consultant to prepare additional studies in the areas of wind erosion in 2010. In this research, which is related to the last ten years, the direction of the sandy areas is towards the center of Chale Zard, and this confirms that despite the prevailing wind direction in the area, which is from the northwest to the southeast. is, the advance of the sand flats is towards the west of the region, and it is possible that the only reason for that is the presence of the Tajen river and the agricultural lands in the east and northeast of the region, which hinder the advance of the sand flats. It goes parallel to the direction of the prevailing wind in these areas. The area of sandy areas in 2010 has increased by seven percent compared to 2000. The area of sandy areas in 2015 is 1356 square kilometers and its front is towards the northwest of the studied area. As mentioned earlier, there are three critical centers of wind erosion in the region, and identification studies and suggestions for preventive and curative measures have been presented in these studies. Therefore, priority has been given to parts of the region that were not previously in the territory of the city's sandy areas, and according to the research conducted, they are currently located in this area. Based on this, in the north, north-west and west part of the study area up to the location of Samadabad wind erosion center, considering that the majority of the area is poor pastures, there are 21 villages, 177 kilometers of communication roads and 10 km of railway is located in this area, it is considered as the first priority of management planning to prevent the development of sandy areas. The second priority in the central part of the studied area is between the critical foci of wind erosion from Gonbadli-Abmal to Samadabad, which is due to the conversion of pasture lands into wet fields, wrong agricultural patterns, lack of management and excessive livestock grazing, causing pastures to become plains. It has become sandy. If management plans are not implemented to control desertification, in the not-too-distant future, critical conditions will be reached on a wider scale, which will lead to transregional environmental problems. The priority of three areas is according to the location of the critical centers of wind erosion, Yaztepe-Khangiran, Gonbadli-Abmal and Samad Abad, and restoration projects for the harvesting, transportation and sedimentation areas of these centers have been presented in past studies. Discussion & Conclusions: The results of this research indicate the different changes of sand areas in 5-year periods. Although the area of these zones has increased during the studied period, which is 15 years, but in some periods, due to different climatic conditions, the area of the zones has decreased. According to the results of this table, the area of sand dunes in 2000 was equal to 125,000 hectares, which reached 135,000 hectares in 2015, and almost 10,000 hectares have been added to the area of these zones, but the area of sand dunes in the year it decreased in 2005 and 2010 and increased in 2015. The area of wind deposits decreased in 2005 and 2015 and increased in 2010. All these results confirm the non-uniformity of changes in these areas in different years, which depends on various factors, including the climatic conditions of the region. Also, the prioritization of the sandy areas in Sarkhes city was based on the threats to the resources and strategic areas of the city, which include population areas, important regional facilities, touristic, cultural, economic, agricultural areas, and communication routes. Was performed. According to the areas of wind erosion in 2015, a total of 24 km of Sarkhs-Mashhad railway, 295 km of communication roads, 25 villages, 4801 hectares of hand-planted forests in the region and important areas such as Almas Airport, Nazbiran Refinery, Khatun bridge and the special area of ferns were located in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]