Aeolian sediment mass fluxes on a sandy soil in Central Patagonia

摘要: Abstract The climate of Patagonia is semi-arid and characterised by frequent strong winds. Wind erosion potentially a serious soil degradation process that impacts long-term sustainability local agricultural systems, but the conditions rates wind in this region have not been studied extensively. aim study was to quantify windblown mass transport on sandy Central Patagonia. Aeolian fluxes were measured valley Sarmiento (Chubut province, Argentina) using two saltiphones 24 Modified Wilson Cooke (MWAC) sediment catchers. latter installed along three transects: (1) control bare strip land cleared its natural vegetation, measure maximum erosion; (2) similar transect protected an artificial windbreak with optical porosity 50%; (3) cherry orchard same type windbreak. Nine windstorms recorded throughout experimental period. Storms speed peaks 20 m s− 1 caused total loss 248 Mg ha− 1 heavily depleted erodible fraction. reduced 51.0% average, while no orchard. Measured values used fit five equations order select best equation integrate into GIS-based prediction system. Kawamura (1964) showed highest model efficiency considered be for conditions. It expresses as function empirical constants: threshold friction velocity (u*t), erodibility coefficient CKa. concluded poses risk once vegetation removed due overgrazing or other anthropogenic activities.