Techniques for the evaluation of surface wind data in terms of eolian sand drift

The purpose of this report is to summarize briefly techniques presently in use by the U.S. Geological Survey (Denver) to analyze surface wind data in terms of eolian sand drift. These techniques were developed for regional analysis of surface wind directional and energy characteristics in connection with Chapter F "Dune Forms and Wind Regime" in U.S.G.S. Professional Paper 1052, "A study of Global Sand Seas", (Fryberger, 1978). These techniques essentially aim at quantifying and standardizing methodology used to analyze different types of wind data. The methods also allow easy interpretation of energy and directional properties of wind regimes with particular reference to sand blown about deserts, both as dunes and as streamers.