Field Evidence for the Initiation of Isolated Aeolian Sand Patches

Sand patches are one of the precursors to early stage protodunes and occur widely in both desert coastal aeolian environments. Here we show field evidence a mechanism explain initiation sand on non-erodible surfaces, such as gravels moist beaches. Changes transport dynamics, directly associated with height saltation layer variable law, observed at boundary between erodible surfaces lead deposition surface. This explains how can form limited availability where linear stability dune theory does not apply. new is supported by observations that change rate over different situ patch formation leads modification dynamics surface boundary.