Aeolian Sand Research Articles

Modification and mechanism of polymer in high-performance concrete with full aeolian sand: An integrated macro-to-micro perspective

Producing high-performance concrete with full aeolian sand (FA-HPC) can achieve efficient utilization of desert resources to combat the shortage issue of aggregates. However, low water–cement ratio and high fine content result in a high risk of brittleness and durability in this concrete. Herein, polyacrylamide (PAM) and styrene-butadiene rubber latex (SBR) were incorporated into the FA-HPC to optimize its performance. Effects and mechanisms modifying the FA-HPC with polymers were compared and studied from macro-to-micro perspectives, with respect to workability, mechanical properties, durability, adsorption, and hydration. The results revealed a negative correlation with the PAM content (contrary to the SBR content) in fluidity and the content-dependent extension in setting time. For strength and shrinkage, the best performance was observed in the PAM-modified FA-HPC at 0.05% content presenting the substantial mitigation in brittleness. Moreover, regarding chloride resistance, SBR showed a more positive effect than PAM, with a 40.9% improvement at 10% content. From the micro-perspective observation, the retarding effect at early stages and acceleration during the late hydration process were verified by phase analysis. The polymer film and polymer bridge as well as the refined pore structure were the primary contributing factors to the performance improvement. Overall, compared to SBR modification, PAM modification with stronger adsorption capacity balances the comprehensive performance improvement of FA-HPC better at 0.05% content. Additionally, the specificity of the FA-HPC and the difference in modification behavior were discussed. This research allows the material-composition optimization of FA-HPC and further promotes the wide application of aeolian sand-based cementitious materials.

BEACH BUILDINGS ON POLES AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR DUNEWARD SEDIMENT TRANSPORT: A NUMERICAL STUDY

Sandy beaches are attractive worldwide. An increasing number of beach users induces a higher demand for buildings at the beach-dune interface. These buildings alter the local flow speed and direction which, in turn, changes the aeolian sand transport around buildings, and the sediment supply to the dunes. This study aims to understand how and to what extent beach buildings on poles affect duneward sediment transport.

Clay mineralogy and geochemistry of surface sediments in the equatorial western Indian Ocean and implications for sediment sources and the Antarctic bottom water inputs

Sediments in the equatorial western Indian Ocean are mixed products from biological, terrigenous, autogenic, volcanic, and hydrothermal materials influenced by various circulation and water masses. The sediments record information of sources and sedimentary environments. To identify the different sources of non-carbonate components in the sediments of the equatorial western Indian Ocean and explore the factors influencing their sedimentary characteristics, surface sediments of the equatorial western Indian Ocean were analysed for clay minerals as well as major and rare earth elements following carbonate removal. Palygorskite, as an indicative mineral of aeolian dust from the North Africa-Arabian Peninsula, is ubiquitous in the sediment of the equatorial western Indian Ocean. These non-carbonate materials are mainly derived from the North Africa-Arabian Peninsula as well as the Indus River and Deccan Traps. The study area can be divided into two sedimentary zones according to the water depth, major element content, and related indexes of rare earth elements (δCe, δEu, LREE/HREE). The sediments of Zone II, being influenced by the Antarctic bottom water, are mainly calcareous clay and characterised by a significant positive Ce anomaly and relative MnO enrichment, with relatively high palygorskite, Al2O3 content, and LREE/HREE ratio (mean values of 24%, 13.95% and 14.00). The sediments of Zone I are mainly clayey calcareous ooze, with a relatively weak positive Ce anomaly and a low palygorskite content (20%). Low Al/(Al+Fe+Mn) values in the sediments of Zone I demonstrate slight signs of hydrothermal input. This study revealed that continental weathering debris is an important source of non-carbonate sediments in the equatorial western Indian Ocean and established that the Antarctic bottom water is an integral factor affecting the sedimentary environment in this region. We present a complete regional sedimentological study of the equatorial western Indian Ocean and provide theoretical support for the reconstruction of the paleo-oceanic environment.

A SIMPLE LABORATORY CALIBRATION METHOD FOR MITIGATING SEAWATER EFFECTS ON SOIL MOISTURE SENSORS

The importance of moisture content for sediment dynamics in coastal environments is well documented, particularly in reference to aeolian sediment transport (Davidson-Arnott, 2005). Tidally-induced changes in moisture content in partially saturated environments, such as beaches, cause significant changes in surface shear strength through the development of suction stresses, which can affect erodibility (Sassa and Watabe, 2007). Thus, the accurate measurement of moisture content in these environments is important for determination of strength properties and for predicting sediment transport. Most moisture sensors work by measuring dielectric permittivity, the ability to carry electric charge, of the substrate, which is proportional to the moisture content. However, most moisture sensors are not calibrated for seawater, which has a higher dielectric permittivity than freshwater, causing overestimation of the moisture content. Therefore, the goal of this study is to develop and demonstrate a laboratory calibration scheme to account for this overestimation, and thus to allow for more accurate measurements of moisture content in coastal environments.

IMPLICATIONS OF SPATIAL GRAIN SIZE VARIABILITY FOR AEOLIAN TRANSPORT

Coastal dunes are crucial for coastal protection, habitat development and recreation. In recent years, their strength as a long-term building with nature approach has been explored in engineering projects. To improve implementation strategies, prediction of the development of the dune system is necessary. Aeolian sediment transport models may aid in informed design and decision-making. However, many aspects of aeolian sediment transport models need a thorough understanding to give reliable predictions. This research particularly focuses on grain size and assesses its effects on aeolian sediment transport at varying spatial and temporal scales. The aim is to provide recommendations on the relevance of spatial grain size variations in aeolian sediment transport modelling for coastal maintenance applications. For this purpose, we apply the aeolian sediment transport model AeoLiS, which allows for multi-fraction transport simulations (Hoonhout, 2017).

The transformation between different modes of motion of particles in steady aeolian transport

Aeolian sediment transport is an important morphodynamic process that drives geomorphological evolution, affects the climate system, and induces various natural disasters. The creep load involves both particles of a sufficiently large size that cannot be easily lifted to the upper air, as well as smaller particles that can transition between different modes of motion, although the contribution of the latter has rarely been investigated. In this study, we investigate the features of the saltation cycle, namely the time period from the moment a particle is entrained into the air to when the particle is again trapped in the bed, and the transformation mechanism between creep, reptation, and saltation by directly simulating the steady-state sand transport of particles within the saltation regime. The results indicate that a saltation cycle generally contains one to tens of individual hop processes, with the mean and standard deviation of the hop times decreasing with the increasing friction velocity, owing to the presence of more energetic particles at the bed surface. Over half of the transported particles move in creep or reptation model because a moving particle generally experiences frequent transition between creep, reptation, and saltation. Furthermore, the fundamental reason for the change in the mode of motion is the strong impact velocity dependence of the total coefficient of restitution during the rebound process. Current rebound models predict a reasonable coefficient of restitution only if the particle impacts the bed at a moderate velocity; however, their predictions deviate from the actual situation at relatively low or high impact velocities. These findings enhance our understanding of the motion dynamics of particles within wind-blown sand movements, and further reduce the uncertainty in predicting their mass flux in different modes of motion.

Construction of an Aeolian Sand Reactivation Index for the Thar Desert using eight-day MODIS data, with management implications

Construction of an Aeolian Sand Reactivation Index for the Thar Desert using eight-day MODIS data, with management implications

Shear Strength Behaviors of Aeolian Sand Solidified by Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation and Basalt Fiber Reinforcement.

Aeolian sand flow is identified as the main factor in the formation of sandstorms. However, conventional sand fixation methods cannot meet the current development requirements of environmental protection. In this paper, the method using Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) combined with basalt fiber reinforcement (BFR) was adopted to solidify the aeolian sand. Consolidated undrained triaxial shear tests were carried out to analyze the influence of fiber content, fiber length, confining pressure, and other factors on stress-strain characteristics, peak strength, brittleness index, and shear strength of aeolian sand. A shear strength model of aeolian sand solidification using MICP-BFR and considering the effect of fiber length and fiber content is established according to the test results. The results show that the peak strength of aeolian sand solidified by MICP-BFR is remarkably higher than that of aeolian sand solidified by MICP alone, and the peak strength rises with the increasing fiber length, fiber content, and confining pressure. The application of fiber can effectively reduce the brittleness index of aeolian sand solidified by MICP and improve the sample ductility. As fiber content and fiber length increase, the cohesion of solidified aeolian sand increases while the internal friction angle changes relatively little. In the limited range set by the test, the fiber length of 12 mm and the fiber content of 1.0% constitute the optimum reinforcement condition. The test results coincide with the model prediction results, indicating that the new model is fitting for predicting the shear strength of aeolian sand solidified by MICP-BFR. The research results provide an important reference value for guiding the practice of wind prevention and sand fixation in desert areas.

Paleoenvironmental changes in the eastern Kumtag Desert, northwestern China since the late Pleistocene

AbstractSedimentary records from the Kumtag (also known as Kumtagh) Desert (KMD) in northwestern China are investigated to better understand Late Quaternary paleoenvironmental changes in this hyper-arid region. Presented here are the results of probably the first systematic survey of sedimentary sequences from the KMD, with the chronology determined by the optically stimulated luminescence dating. The variation of sedimentary facies, supported by granular and geochemical paleoenvironmental proxies, is used to decipher the history of Late Quaternary environment changes. The results demonstrate that a constantly dry condition characterized the eastern KMD since the last glacial maximum, but with occurrences of wetter periods. From ca. 17 to 15 ka, fluvial activity was probably triggered by melting of glaciers in mountains located south of the KMD. A distinctly drier stage (ca. 13–7 ka) was recognized due to the prominent occurrence of aeolian sands. A wetter environment likely persisted between ca. 4.4 and 2.2 ka, consistent with evidence of human activities. While the causes of paleoenvironmental changes in the eastern KMD are still a matter of debate, the melting of glaciers in the Altyn-Tagh Mountains in the south must be considered as an important factor.

Initial development and sedimentary provenance of a middle Paleozoic foreland basin: Clam Bank Formation, western Newfoundland

The upper Silurian(?) to Lower Devonian (Lochkovian) Clam Bank Formation is the most northerly exposed middle Paleozoic foreland-basin succession in the Appalachian orogen. Understanding of its sedimentary history is poor, and there are contradictory interpretations of placement of its lower structural boundary. Our study redefines the lithostratigraphy and subdivides the ∼600 m thick formation into three paleoenvironmental successions: a lower coastal plain setting with fluvial channels giving way upsection to coastal flats with carbonate, colluvium with reworked paleosol material, and aeolian (silt) deposits; a middle coastal zone succession following marine transgression and deposition of shoreface sandstone; and an upper alluvial succession host to pedogenic and groundwater calcretes. A basal disconformity, though not exposed, is inferred from lithic and geochemical evidence for sediment mixing with underlying Upper Ordovician sources in the lowermost part of the formation. This supports previous interpretations of Silurian uplift along the Laurentian margin in response to the Salinian orogeny. Sedimentary provenance indicates quartzo-feldspathic sources throughout the formation, and sediment-transport indicators identify a northeast–southwest-oriented basin with northwest-directed fluvial input. U–Pb detrital zircon distributions associated with the paleocolluvium and younger transgressive sandstone document upsection loss of prominent age peaks of late Grenville (∼0.98 Ga) and pre-Grenville (1.5, 1.65, and 1.75 Ga) sources. The coastal plain succession and related detrital-zircon signature imply a mixture of distal and proximal sediment sources, the latter related to erosion of a weathered upland and exhumed Precambrian inliers in western Newfoundland. A more regional provenance signature with marine transgression suggests sediment transport in response to Acadian orogenesis.

Geochemical evidence of provenance diversity in Holocene sandy land of Qinghai Lake Basin in the north‐eastern margin of Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and its implications for climate change

ABSTRACTThe Qinghai Lake Basin, located in the north‐eastern Tibetan Plateau, is crucial for understanding the East Asian monsoon evolution and its interaction with westerlies. Palaeoclimatic studies in this region since the Holocene have primarily focused on interpreting proxy significance from sediments, resulting in being highly controversial. However, exploring palaeoclimate evolution through sediment provenance and proxy integration remains rare. This study analysed the elemental geochemical properties of two fluvial–lacustrine–aeolian profiles in Hudong Sandy Land, east of the Qinghai Lake Basin, and compared these with published modern basin sediments and extensively investigated Late Quaternary aeolian deposits. It was found that Hudong Sandy Land sediments exhibit similar geochemical compositions to other modern basin sediments, primarily consisting of SiO2, Al2O3 and CaO. Contrary to previous understanding, lacustrine sediments in the Hudong Sandy Land are closer to the upper continental crust average than aeolian deposits. Geochemical ratios and parameters suggested that Hudong Sandy Land sediments primarily derived from mixed source rocks of felsic igneous, quartzose sedimentary and intermediate igneous provenances. A comparison with published elemental geochemical data from the basin reveals distinct sediment sources during different periods in the Hudong Sandy Land. From 9.6 to 4.0 ka bp, Hudong Sandy Land hosted numerous lake environments, with sediments displaying a dominant role in sedimentary recycling and reworking, implying a continuously stronger East Asian summer monsoon. During 8.2 to 5.1 ka bp, the Hudong Sandy Land was a fluvial depositional sink for sediments from the Dabanshan Mountains. Bedrock clastic material generated by intense erosion and monsoonal runoff transport contributed to Hudong Sandy Land sedimentation, indicating the East Asian summer monsoon's peak since 9.6 ka bp. After 4.0 ka bp, thick aeolian sands accumulated in the Hudong Sandy Land, primarily derived from Lake Qinghai sediments due to declining water levels, indicating that westerlies and East Asian winter monsoon dominated the basin, with a weaker East Asia summer monsoon. This study facilitates a deeper understanding of the interaction between the East Asia summer monsoon and East Asia winter monsoon/westerlies.

Does distance from a sand mine affect needle features in Pinus sylvestris L.?

Needle traits of P. sylvestris exhibit high variability depending on habitat conditions and thus may be used to assess the effect of anthropopressure on tree condition in this species. The variability of 22 needle features of Scots pine, collected from populations growing at different distances from the Bełżec-Podlesina eolian sand mine located in Poland, was investigated. No similar research has been conducted to date. The needles were collected from 40 trees growing in similar habitat conditions on four study plots located at a distance of 205.281 to 997.598 m from the sand mine. In total, 3460 needles from 117 samples were measured. It was observed that the distance of the study plots from the sand mine had a statistically significant effect on all the analysed needle traits, with the most extreme values recorded for the needles coming from trees growing on the plots most distant from the sand mine. The characteristics of greatest importance for assessing the impact of the sand mine on needle condition in the studied trees included: needle length/needle width, needle length, needle length/needle thickness, number of stomata on the convex side of the needle/needle length, needle width/resin duct diameter, resin duct diameter, number of stomata on the convex side of the needle/needle width, number of stomata on the concave side of the needle/needle length and number of stomata on the convex side of the needle. The effect of the distance of a given study plot from the sand mine depended on the age of the needles. The analyses confirmed that despite the adaptability of Scots pine to local environmental conditions, the morphological and anatomical characteristics of its needles changed under the influence of anthropopressure. Thus, selected features of the assimilatory organs may be used to monitor the impact of opencast operations on this important forest-forming species.

Permafrost saline water and Early to mid-Holocene permafrost aggradation in Svalbard

Abstract. Deglaciation in Svalbard was followed by seawater ingression and deposition of marine (deltaic) sediments in fjord valleys, while elastic rebound resulted in fast land uplift and the exposure of these sediments to the atmosphere, whereby the formation of epigenetic permafrost was initiated. This was then followed by the accumulation of aeolian sediments, with syngenetic permafrost formation. Permafrost was studied in the eastern Adventdalen valley, Svalbard, 3–4 km from the maximum up-valley reach of post-deglaciation seawater ingression, and its ground ice was analysed for its chemistry. While ground ice in the syngenetic part is basically fresh, the epigenetic part has a frozen freshwater–saline water interface (FSI), with chloride concentrations increasing from the top of the epigenetic part (at 5.5 m depth) to about 15 % that of seawater at 11 m depth. We applied a one-dimensional freezing model to examine the rate of top-down permafrost formation, which could be accommodated by the observed frozen FSI. The model examined permafrost development under different scenarios of mean average air temperature, water freezing temperature and degree of pore-water freezing. We found that even at the relatively high air temperatures of the Early to mid-Holocene, permafrost could aggrade quite fast down to 20 to 37 m (the whole sediment fill of 25 m at this location) within 200 years. This, in turn, allowed freezing and preservation of the freshwater–saline water interface despite the relatively fast rebound rate, which apparently resulted in an increase in topographic gradients toward the sea. The permafrost aggradation rate could also be enhanced due to non-complete pore-water freezing. We conclude that freezing must have started immediately after the exposure of the marine sediment to atmospheric conditions.

Climate and environmental changes recorded by aeolian sediment during the last glaciation in the western Qaidam Basin

Aeolian sediments are widely distributed in the Qaidam Basin (QB) on the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and are ideal carriers of information for studying the environmental evolution of the basin. However, due to factors such as dry denudation and glacier erosion, there is a lack of palaeo-aeolian sediment records in the late glacial period. This study applied quartz optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating to fluvial-aeolian sequences in the TLH profile, which were exposed by river downcutting in the Tora River. In addition, OSL ages were combined with grain size and chemical elements to explore the sedimentary and environmental changes in the late glacial period recorded by palaeo-aeolian sediments in the QB. The results show that aeolian sediment accumulated earlier than the last glacial period in the QB and that the QB experienced multiple alternations of drying and wetting during this period. From approximately 70.45 ka BP to 60.87 ka BP, thick aeolian sediment with noticeable cross-bedding developed in this location, suggesting relatively dry environmental conditions and intense sand activities. From 60.87 ka BP to 58.56 ka BP, the environmental proxies revealed two distinct layers of fluvial deposits, with relatively coarse average grain sizes and weak chemical weathering, indicating wetter conditions. This region experienced alternations of drying and wetting between 58.56 ka BP and 41.09 ka BP, resulting in an aeolian sand layer and a freeze-thaw folded layer. This research is a good supporter of climate and environmental changes in the last glaciation.

Influence of aeolian deposits on the pedogenesis process of the Costa da Morte soils (NW Spain)

Aeolian deposition in coastal system can modify pedogenic processes or provide parent material for new pedogenesis cycles. In Galicia region (NW Spain), as in other regions of the world, the pedogenic processes associated with aeolian deposits under coastal conditions are little know. These processes are also conditioned by the development time from the formation of the sedimentary deposits, which in the case of the Galician coast is highly variable. The main objective was to identify the effect of aeolian deposits on coastal soils, through the characterization and classification of several soil profiles, and the identification of the main pedogenic process that contributed to their formation or modification. The studied soils presented one and two pedogenic cycles as well as in each one different level of pedogenic evolution. The soils with one pedogenic cycle were Endoleptic Umbrisol (Loamic, Hyperdystric, Hyperhumic, Pachic) from Xuxurantes and Haplic Umbrisol (Arenic, Humic, Pachic) from Cabo Vilano. The soils with two cycles were found in Muxia (Aeolic Calcaric Arenosol (Ochric-Novic) over Haplic Phaeozems (Endoloamic)) and Cementerio de los Ingleses (Albic Umbric Podzol (Pantoarenic)). This last type of soil constituted one more step in the evolution of aeolian deposits (first cycle of pedogenesis in the Muxia profile). Thus, changes in the pedogenesis processes and mechanisms were conditioned by the presence of a superficial aeolian deposition as well as the proximity to the coast and determine a chronosequence of the processes in the aeolian sediments.

Heinrich Stadial 1 continental sand dunes and Middle to Late Holocene paleosol sequences in SE Iberia: Implications for human occupation and site formation processes

Continental aeolian sandy deposits are common in the semi-arid Mediterranean biomes of the Iberian Peninsula. Very few studies, however, have addressed their chronology, formation, and evolution. In this work, we present the interdisciplinary study of the Villena dune field (SE Iberian Peninsula) for which sand dune-paleosol sequences spanning the Last Glacial to the Late Holocene have been documented. The surface area of the Villena dune field and the dune morphology were mapped using LIDAR elevation data. Three different stratigraphic sequences were analyzed through geochronology (OSL and AMS C14), micromorphology,soil chemistry, grain size and X-ray powder diffraction. The formation of the Villena dune field was OSL dated between 16.3 ± 0.6 and 14.97 ± 0.5 ka during the Heinrich Stadial 1 (HS1). Deflation, diffuse floods and runoff processes led to the removal of GS-1 and Early Holocene sediments from the stratigraphic sequences. Subsequently, discontinuous polycyclic soil sequences developed on the dune top sections from the Middle to the Late Holocene. Three main pedogenetic processes linked to palaeoenvironmental shifts –organic matter accumulation, calcium carbonate redistribution and periglacial features– were documented in two soil sequences registered in the stratigraphies investigated, which also included sedimentary hiatuses. Our work identified for the first time: (i) the formation of continental dune deposits spanning the HS1 on the Iberian Mediterranean region; (ii) sedimentary dynamics helping to understand Early to Late Holocene archaeological site formation processes in this area; and (iii) periglacial features dated the Little Ice Age.

Morphological characteristics and dynamic changes of typical climbing dunes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Climbing dunes are a form of topographic barrier dunes that feature in the aeolian landforms on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Topography fundamentally influences the spatial distribution and morphological characteristics of climbing dunes by modifying the near-surface airflow and creating space for sediment deposition. Previous studies have considered several aspects of the influence of topography on aeolian landforms. However, morphological differences between climbing dunes in different geomorphic contexts and dynamic changes in the area have received little attention. Therefore, topographic measurements, near-surface flow field measurements, dune morphology analysis, and remote sensing image analysis were combined to explore relationships between dune morphology and topography. Topographic obstacles can accelerate the near-surface airflow, particularly with a 25–35° slope gradient, which is beneficial for sand transport and deposition. Suitable accommodation space (concave slope morphology) and abundant sediment comprise the primary factors that control the scale and morphological diversity of climbing dunes, which are also influenced by a variable wind direction. In general, the morphology of the climbing dunes becomes progressively more complicated from the bottom to the middle of the windward slope, and the sand ridge lines of the dunes are perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction. Based on the influence of climate and human activities, the total area of climbing dunes in this region has decreased over the past 30 years. Despite general evidence of enhanced human-induced desertification in semi-arid and sub-humid regions, warming has not led to the rapid expansion of climbing dunes in these arid locations. This research offers new insights into the relationship between the terrain and dune morphology, enriching the theoretical basis for the plateau aeolian geomorphology. Furthermore, it allows us to consider the dynamic changes in climbing dunes area in the context of global warming.

Dune movement under climatic changes on the north‐eastern Tibetan Plateau as recorded by long‐term satellite observation versus ERA‐5 reanalysis

AbstractThe movement of active dunes is tightly linked to climatic conditions (e.g., wind regime, temperature and precipitation) as well as human influence (e.g., grazing, dune fixation and greening). Dune migration rates can be studied to draw conclusions of changing wind conditions over time. The Gonghe Basin (GB), located on the north‐eastern Tibetan Plateau (TP), offers a good testing ground for these assumptions. The intramontane basin is highly influenced by two major wind regimes: the mid‐latitude Westerlies and the East Asian summer monsoon. To investigate environmental changes, this study combines optical remote sensing techniques with climatic datasets. High‐resolution satellite images of the last five decades, such as CORONA KH‐4B, are used to map dunes and calculate their respective migration rates. Further, height information was extracted as well. Climatic changes from the ERA‐5 reanalysis dataset and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values were processed alongside. Relating the dunes' surface processes to climate model data shows an accordance between slowing migration, expanding vegetation and a decrease in sand drift potential. From 1968 to present time, an average dune migration rate of 7.3 m a−1 was extracted from the satellite images, with an overall reduction of −1.81 m a−1. The resultant drift potential (RDP) values for the GB are calculated to be below 10 m3 s−3 with a spatial decrease, following a direction from the NW to the SE, fitting well with a corresponding decrease in the migration rates. Our results indicate a good agreement between the development of aeolian landforms and the ERA‐5 climate reanalysis model data, even in a high‐altitude setting with complex topography, which is known to influence such datasets.

Retracted: Effect of Aeolian Sand Powder Addition on Frost Resistance of Concrete Pavement.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/5087896.].

Morphometry of the cold-climate Bory Stobrawskie Dune Field (SW Poland): Evidence for multi-phase Lateglacial aeolian activity within the European Sand Belt

Abstract Aeolian dunes have been widely identified in the European Sand Belt, which was formed during the Pleniglacial and Late Glacial when cold and dry climatic conditions were favorable for intense Aeolian processes. In this study, we mapped and analyzed the fixed Bory Stobrawskie Dune Field (SW Poland) to determine factors that drive the evolution of dunes, expressed by the occurrence of different dune types and their spatial patterns. The study identified the longitudinal zonation within the dune field, as shown by the changeable proportion of specific dune types comparable to low-latitude dune fields. However, climatically controlled periodic and low sand supply combined with a changing vegetation cover caused the non-continuous and multi-phase evolution of the dune field. Additionally, we found that a dense pattern of streams has controlled the extent of the dune field. The trapping of sand by rivers led to a limitation of the dune field expansion; on the other hand, the supply of sand into rivers led to overloading of the fluvial system, affecting their transformation into braided rivers.