Improving measurements, models and predictions of aeolian particle transport and landscape dynamics

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Aeolian (wind) processes and landforms are ubiquitous on Earth and other terrestrial planets. The entrainment, transport and deposition of particles by wind impacts climate, soils, hydrology, hazards, ecology, and has allied impacts on human health, food security, water supply, desertification, and safety. In some settings aeolian transport is dominated by sedimentary particles, ranging from sand to dust, while in others snow prevails. Despite its role in these applied areas, reliable prediction of aeolian processes and landscape dynamics remains elusive. However, for Canadians, prediction is important to mitigate adverse effects caused by aeolian processes. More than 80 years ago we experienced first-hand that our limited understanding of aeolian processes can have dire consequences. Massive topsoil losses from wind erosion coupled with persistent drought transformed the Canadian prairies and much of the Great Plains into a Dust Bowl. Today, the impact of aeolian processes and landscape dynamics is still significant, including wind-eroded toxic dust from the oil sands, risk of desertification on the prairies, and winter hazards caused by snowdrifting. Our capacity to mitigate these impacts hinges on our ability to measure and predict the processes and landscape response. With this in mind, the objective of the research proposed herein is to improve how we measure, model and predict aeolian system dynamics and, in so doing, increase the contribution of aeolian research to global and societally-relevant issues. To accomplish this milestone NSERC DG funding will create a foundation for hypothesis testing and prediction by enabling a cohesive integration of field measurements, experiments and modeling. The research is divided into 3 themes: (i) prediction and measurement of aeolian particle transport, (ii) feedbacks among atmospheric boundary layer airflow, aeolian particle transport and landscape dynamics, and (iii) wind erosion of human-altered surfaces. By linking fundamental and applied research we will provide functional predictions of aeolian dynamics in support of decision making and management in Canada and abroad.