Near-surface structure of a large linear dune and an associated crossing dune of the northern Namib Sand Sea from Ground Penetrating Radar: Implications for the history of large linear dunes on Earth and Titan - INSU - Institut national des sciences de l'Univers Access content directly
Journal Articles Aeolian Research Year : 2022

Near-surface structure of a large linear dune and an associated crossing dune of the northern Namib Sand Sea from Ground Penetrating Radar: Implications for the history of large linear dunes on Earth and Titan

Clayton K. Chandler
  • Function : Author
Jani Radebaugh
  • Function : Author
John H. Mcbride
  • Function : Author
Thomas H. Morris
  • Function : Author
Clement Narteau
Karl Arnold
  • Function : Author
Ralph D. Lorenz
  • Function : Author
Jason W. Barnes
  • Function : Author
Alex Hayes
  • Function : Author
Tammy Rittenour
  • Function : Author

Abstract

We imaged the near-surface sedimentary structures of a large linear dune, flanking dune forms and an associated crossing linear dune never before studied in the northern Namib Sand Sea using 200-MHz Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR). The dry, uniform sandy conditions and wavelength used allowed for highly detailed observations of sedimentary structures to depths of ∼ 12 m across a >1km lateral scan. Sedimentary features observed in the main linear dune include scouring and abrupt changes in strata such as trough cross stratification (TCS), onlap, downlap, truncation and avalanche-related bedding, all a result of complex sand transport conditions. Different phases of deposition have produced an opposed succession of strata on each side of the dune. These successions alternate 2-dimensional (2D), or bedform instability mode features with 3-dimensional (3D), or fingering mode features, separated by a clear process boundary. These alternating successions reflect a change in the dominant wind environment in the recent past. The changing winds may feed into the building and overall stability of this dune field and may be a model for conditions in other large linear/longitudinal dune fields. The subsurface structure of an oblique crossing linear dune demonstrates sand transport generally down the dune long axis in the direction predicted from modern, ERA-Interim model as well as paleoclimate model winds. This suggests relatively long-term stability of this intermediate-sized landform and the potential long-term coexistence of large dunes and secondary forms. These studies have implications for the extensive sand seas of Titan, where lack of large secondary forms may indicate a simple wind regime over long time periods.
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insu-03776409 , version 1 (13-09-2022)

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Clayton K. Chandler, Jani Radebaugh, John H. Mcbride, Thomas H. Morris, Clement Narteau, et al.. Near-surface structure of a large linear dune and an associated crossing dune of the northern Namib Sand Sea from Ground Penetrating Radar: Implications for the history of large linear dunes on Earth and Titan. Aeolian Research, 2022, 57, ⟨10.1016/j.aeolia.2022.100813⟩. ⟨insu-03776409⟩
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