Electrostatics in Wind-Blown Sand

Jasper F. Kok and Nilton O. Renno
Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 014501 – Published 8 January 2008
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Abstract

Wind-blown sand, or “saltation,” is an important geological process, and the primary source of atmospheric mineral dust aerosols. Significant discrepancies exist between classical saltation theory and measurements. We show here that these discrepancies can be resolved by the inclusion of sand electrification in a physically based saltation model. Indeed, we find that electric forces enhance the concentration of saltating particles and cause them to travel closer to the surface, in agreement with measurements. Our results thus indicate that sand electrification plays an important role in saltation.

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  • Received 5 July 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.100.014501

©2008 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Jasper F. Kok* and Nilton O. Renno

  • Applied Physics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
  • Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA

  • *jfkok@umich.edu

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Issue

Vol. 100, Iss. 1 — 11 January 2008

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