10 - Aeolian (windblown) sand transport over beaches

Abstract

Wind is a highly capable geological agent on many sandy beaches above, and sometimes below, the high-tide limit where sand can become dry and mobilised by aeolian (wind-blown) processes. This chapter reviews current understanding of the measurement and modelling of aeolian sand transport over beaches. The fundamentals of boundary layer airflow dynamics and aeolian sand transport are explained and key aeolian transport models are classified and critiqued with respect to their application on beaches. In particular, a suite of key environmental controls that affect aeolian sand transport on beaches are reviewed, namely wind climate, beach morphology: width, slope and fetch, moisture, salt and biological crusts, roughness elements and vegetation. For each, influences on aeolian sand transport mechanics and modelling are discussed and implications for back beach morphodynamics are explored. This chapter focuses primarily on empirical field and wind-tunnel research findings and identifies key advances and current challenges for aeolian research in coastal settings.