Abstract
Aeolian (wind) erosion is most common in arid regions. The resulted emission of PM10 (particulate matter that is smaller than 10 μm in diameter) from the soil has many environmental and socioeconomic consequences such as soil degradation and air pollution. Topsoil resistance to aeolian transport highly depends on the surface composition. The study aim was to examine variations in PM10 fluxes in a desert-dust source due to surface composition and topsoil disturbance. Aeolian field experiments using a boundary layer wind tunnel alongside soil composition analysis were integrated in this study. The results show variations in PM10 fluxes (ranging from 9.5 to 524.6 mg m−2 min−1) in the studied area. Higher wind velocity increased significantly the PM10 fluxes in all surface compositions. A short-term natural disturbance caused changes in the aggregate soil distribution (ASD) and increased significantly PM10 emissions. Considering that PM10 contains clays, organic matter, and absorbed elements, the recorded PM10 fluxes are indicative of the potential soil loss and degradation by wind erosion in such resource-limited ecosystems. The findings have implications in modeling dust emission from a source area with complex surfaces.
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