Environmental data at source-bordering aeolian dunefields in the Grand Canyon Dune Atlas

These data were compiled to characterize the population of source-bordering aeolian dunefields (SBDs) along the Colorado River downstream of Glen Canyon Dam in the Grand Canyon, from Lees Ferry to the Diamond Creek confluence located approximately 225 river miles downstream. The dataset is a comma-separated values (.csv) file in which each of the 58 rows represents a single SBD as delineated in the Grand Canyon Dune Atlas (Sankey et al., 2025). Each row contains the dunefield name and identification number that corresponds to the Grand Canyon Dune Atlas, the response variable, dunefield area (m²), and predictor variables characterizing various environmental conditions at each dunefield. Predictor variables include measurements and classifications related to canyon physiography (canyon width, average dunefield slope, dominant underlying geomorphic landform), climate (dominant aeolian sand transport direction, Great Basin Desert versus Mojave Desert climate zone designation), river hydrology and geomorphology (pre-dam river width, exposed channel from typical dam operations, distance from dunefield centroid to river centerline, river mile downstream of Lees Ferry, river flow direction, aeolian sand transport direction relative to river flow direction). These data were compiled from a combination of field observations, remotely sensed data, geospatial data, and previously published modeled data. These data were used to evaluate the relationship between SBD area and canyon physiography, river hydrology, river geomorphology, and climate through regression analysis.