New Method for Estimation of Aeolian Sand Transport Rate Using Ceramic Sand Flux Sensor (UD-101)

• Main Author: Keiko Udo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2009-11-01
• Series: Sensors
• Subjects: piezoelectric sensor; impact counts; wind-blown sand transport; instantaneous sand transport; moisture content
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/9/11/9058/

In this study, a new method for the estimation of aeolian sand transport rate was developed; the method employs a ceramic sand flux sensor (UD-101). UD-101 detects wind-blown sand impacting on its surface. The method was devised by considering the results of wind tunnel experiments that were performed using a vertical sediment trap and the UD-101. Field measurements to evaluate the estimation accuracy during the prevalence of unsteady winds were performed on a flat backshore. The results showed that aeolian sand transport rates estimated using the developed method were of the same order as those estimated using the existing method for high transport rates, i.e., for transport rates greater than 0.01 kg m–1 s–1.