Dune field reactivation from blowouts: Sevier Desert, UT, USA

摘要: Abstract Dune field reactivation (a shift from vegetated to unvegetated state) has important economic, social, and environmental implications. In some settings is desired preserve values, but in arid regions typically a form of land degradation. Little known about due lack published records, making modeling prediction difficult. Here we detail dune reactivations blowout expansion the Sevier Desert, Utah, USA. We use historical aerial photographs satellite imagery track transition stable, dunes actively migrating sediment 3 locations. outline sequence: (i) disturbance breaches vegetation exposes sediment, then (ii) creates with deposition apron that (iii) advances downwind slipface or as sand sheet. Most aprons are not colonized by migrating. To explore causes examine local flux, climate data, stream flow. Based on available data best explanation can provide combination anthropogenic may be responsible for reactivations. Together, these examples rare glimpse blowouts, revealing timescales, behaviour, morphodynamics devegetating fields.