The Investigation of Morphodynamic Indices of Barchan Dunes (Case Study: Chah Jam Erg)

The environmental issues and loss of natural resources are the important causes of management strategies creation of the environment crisis. The influx of quicksand to settlements, communication ways and economical installations in the form of barchan dunes, is one of the most important of environmental problems in the South of Haj Ali Gholi playa. Barchan dunes originate from the characteristics of prevailing wind and little ability to access the sand that is crescentic shape, and have been formed from mobile sand. A side view of a barchan shows a rather flat aerodynamic structure. When viewed from above, a barchan presents a crescentic shape with two horns pointing downwind. A sharp edge divides the dune in two areas: the windward side and the slip face. Because of a boundary layer separation along this sharp edge, a large eddy develops downwind and wind speed decreases dramatically. Therefore, the incoming blown sand is dropped close to the brink line. The aim of this study is the assessment of morphodynamic indices of barchan dunes in Chah Jam Erg using experimental, mathematical and statistical methods. By obtained results, we can comprehend a correct understanding from 3D morphology and morphodynamic characteristics of barchan dunes and their behaviors, to manage the environment of desert regions using systemic approaches.