Analysis of linear sand dune morphological variability, southwestern Kalahari desert

Abstract

Linear dunes are the most common desert dune form, usually occurring in extensive dunefields rather than as isolated individuals. As part of a wider project investigating the dynamics and environmental significance of linear dunes, the extensive linear dunefield of the southwestern Kalahari Desert, southern Africa, was investigated for planimetric pattern variability. Considerable intradunefield variability was identified through aerial photograph analysis of a 4000 km 2 area, leading to the development of a five-class classification scheme. This scheme was validated statistically utilising data for key planimetric pattern variables: Y-junctions, termini, orientation range, and wavelength. The application of the classification scheme thoughout the dunefield permits the identification of trends in planimetric patterns. This provides a basis for first attempts to explain aspects of planimetric variability in terms of the behaviour of linear dunes and their responses to key environmental variables.