Geomorphological patterns in a linear dune field and ages of the linear dunes in the northern Kumtagh Desert,northwest China

摘要

The unique linear dunes in the northern Kumtagh Desert of northwest China have inspired enthusiastic debate among aeolian geomorphologists over their origins and classification. Their uniqueness lies not only in their morphology, but also in their geomorphological patterns. In this paper, the geomorphological patterns and ages of the linear dunes in the northern Kumtagh Desert are analyzed using the pattern analysis method that was recently adopted by geomorphologists. The analysis suggests that these linear dunes have developed since 13 ka BP, during the late part of the most recent deglaciation stage, when the region's dry climate was favorable for dune formation. The differences in dune construction time within this region result from the complex factors that control their formation and spatial variations in the local environment, but these factors were not strong enough to prevent us from estimating the dune age recorded by the geomorphological patterns with acceptable precision. It is also suggested that the pattern analysis method can be used to estimate dune ages in the absence of more reliable dating methods.