Planetary dunes tell of otherworldly winds
December 22, 2021
Dune fields are common on beaches and in deserts—think of the imposing sand hills and sinuous ripples of the Sahara in Africa or the Karakum in Central Asia, for example—as well as underwater on the beds of rivers, lakes, and oceans. The varied shapes, sizes, and orientations of both modern dunes and those preserved in the geologic record tell of the conditions under which they formed, particularly the strengths and patterns of winds and ocean currents. This information offers us valuable windows into environments and climates at different places and at different times in Earth’s history.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2021 |
|---|---|
| Title | Planetary dunes tell of otherworldly winds |
| DOI | 10.1029/2021EO210684 |
| Authors | Timothy N. Titus, S. Diniega, L.K. Fenton, Lynn D.V. Neakrase, James R. Zimbelman |
| Publication Type | Article |
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Series Title | Eos, American Geophysical Union |
| Index ID | 70226974 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | Astrogeology Science Center |