Regions of the Continental United States Susceptible to Eolian Action

摘要

Recent work in Wyoming and Washington has demonstrated that eolian landforms can be used to determine wind-flow characteristics in arid and semi-arid areas (Marrs and Marwitz, 1977). Satellite imagery and aerial photography is useful for mapping and interpreting eolian features. Interpretation of the features identified from the imagery produces a relatively inexpensive estimate of the wind-energy potential. The technique shows considerable promise as a wind-energy prospecting tool, but its applicability is limited by the exposure of the land surface. Therefore, it is desirable to estimate the area, which is sufficiently arid or barren to allow oelian landforms to develop. An effort is described which identifies those areas of the conterminous United States in which active eolian features can develop if adequate wind is available. (ERA citation 04:013144)