Linear dunes - forms and formation

Abstract

Most geomorphologists and geologists do not differentiate the various types of linear dune and refer to them as one dune type mainly in the terms of linear, longitudinal or seif dunes. In recent morphodynamic and genetic classifications of dunes, all types of linear dunes are lumped under the heading of longitudinal dunes (Wasson and Hyde, 1983; Hunter et al., 1983). This review, however, substantiates three different simple linear dunes - lee dunes, seifs and vegetated- linear - each of which has a different shape and mechanism of formation and elongation.