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Gillette & Pitchford 2004
Gillette, D.A. and Pitchford, A.M. (2004). Sand flux in the northern Chihuahuan desert, New Mexico, USA, and the influence of mesquite-dominated landscapes. Journal of Geophysical Research 109: doi: 10.1029/2003JF000031. issn: 0148-0227.

Measurements of sand flux over areas with different vegetation in the Chihuahuan desert show that mean, height-integrated, horizontal flux values for mesquite-dominated sites were higher than those for other kinds of vegetation. Sand transport over mesquite areas displayed seasonal variability for most years. This seasonal variability roughly followed the variability of strong winds. Sand transport rates for collectors within a short distance downwind of mesquite bushes were small compared to those for collectors at the end of streets (elongated patches of bare soil) aligned with wind direction. The increased rate of sand transport (wind erosion) associated with mesquite is important because mesquite-dominated areas are increasing in the northern Chihuahuan desert and are therefore responsible for increasing land degradation (desertification).

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Abstract

Keywords
Atmospheric Composition and Structure, Aerosols and particles (0345, 4801), Atmospheric Composition and Structure, Constituent sources and sinks, Hydrology, Desertification, Hydrology, Erosion and sedimentation, Planetology, Solid Surface Planets, Erosion and weathering, dust emissions, desert vegetation, sand transport, Chihuahuan desert, mesquite
Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
http://www.agu.org/journals/jb/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
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