Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Dust

Bullard, J. and Livingstone, I. (2009) Dust. In: Parsons, A. J. and Abrahams, A. D. (eds.) Geomorphology of Desert Environments. 2nd ed. Netherlands: Springer. pp. 629-654.

Item Type: Book Section
Abstract: In aeolian systems there is a fundamental difference between the behaviour of coarse sediments (sands) and fine sediments (dusts). Sand-sized material (63–2000 μm) travels predominantly by saltation, reptation and creep within the lowest levels of the atmospheric boundary layer (<3 m above the surface) and travels short distances. In contrast, dust-sized material, generally defined as <63 μm, is transported in suspension at a wide range of heights above the surface and can rapidly travel considerable distances. Dust plumes disperse as they travel away from source diffusing the concentration of sediment. Consequently, although there are clearly definable sources for dust emissions, these finer particles can be transported around the globe and their deposits can be both far removed from their origins and extensive. Every year up to three billion tonnes of dust are released into the atmosphere from the Earth’s surface. The spatial and temporal patterns of these dust emissions are often closely controlled by desert geomorphology, and in turn have an impact both directly and indirectly on the desert landscape and further afield
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GB Physical geography > GB400 Geomorphology. Landforms. Terrain > GB561 Other natural landforms: Floodplains, caves, deserts, dunes > GB611 Deserts
Q Science > QE Geology > QE500 Dynamic and structural geology > QE571 Sedimentation and deposition
Creators: Bullard, Joanna and Livingstone, Ian
Editors: Parsons, A J and Abrahams, A D
Publisher: Springer
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > School of Applied Sciences (to 2009) > Environmental Science (to 2009)
Date: 20 March 2009
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 629-654
Title of Book: Geomorphology of Desert Environments
Place of Publication: Netherlands
Language: English
ISBN: 9781402057182
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-5719-9_20
Status: Published / Disseminated
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/2364

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