Risk assessment of dangerous Aeolian processes within the Baikal rift zone

Abstract

Among dangerous natural processes in the Baikal region we emphasize aeolian processes of high intensity which is due to dust storms caused by hurricane winds. The factors of the process development were studied, and special attention was paid to the wind regime and seismic activity, as well as to the catastrophic consequences and damage. We analyzed the number and duration of dust storms, calculated the deflation potential of the wind and the energy of the air flows. The morphology of aeolian relief forms, both deflationary and accumulative was studied. We forecasted sand dune drifts based on the analysis of the charted sand rose. Differences in structure, mechanism, and intensity of the processes are revealed depending on the hydroclimatic conditions during the monitoring period. In connection with global climate change, which is manifested in the Baikal region by an increase in the number of arid years of observations (35%), and the frequency of emergency situations associated with natural processes increases. It is necessary to continue the monitoring of aeolian processes in order to create long-term and short-term forecasts to avoid catastrophic consequences.