Dune Field Patterns and Their Control Factors in the Middle Areas of China’s Hexi Corridor Desert

The middle areas of China’s Hexi Corridor Desert are distributed within or at the edge oases in continental river basins Northern China. Recently, researchers found that rivers can provide sediment material for dune formation and development, but mechanism has not been investigated detail. In this study, relationships among wind environment, spatial distribution rivers, sand availability, field patterns area were analyzed. terms energy study be divided into three regions: high-energy environment north, intermediate-energy middle, low-energy south. results showed resultant drift potential is predominantly from NW quadrant. directional variability intermediate northern region low southern region. directions winds with critical speed SW region, WNW main types barchans, reticulate dunes, star linear coppice which differ previous (mainly barchans dunes). Dune controlled by environment. addition, availability important factors affecting development. Sand dunes downwind confirms hypothesis formation. different reveal their development regime supply.