The dynamics of barchans and dome dunes Namib Desert, Namibia

Dome and barchan sand dunes are common along the west coast of the Namib Desert. In an area near Walvis Bay, central Namibia, three dome dunes and three barchans were monitored by three-dimensional topographic survey over a fivemonth period in order to determine dune displacement, morphologic change, and volume changes. In addition, three wind flow experiments were conducted over both dome and/barchan slopes to determine flow char.ctenst.cs for these two slope types, and to identify the controlling factors in slipface development. Sand transport data were also collected over the experimental period to attempt to quantify erosion and deposition over the dune. These experiments and the sand transport data provided the necessary data for the development of a model of evolution of dome dunes to barchans