aeolian processes in the lut desert: quantifying quaternary sediment fluxes and landscape change

The lut desert, a hyper-arid region and one of the hottest places on earth, provides a unique environment for studying aeolian sediment routing systems and their role in landscape dynamics. by analyzing the sandflows across the desert, it has been observed a complex system of sand movement, predominantly in a south-southeast direction. these sandflows converge to form a significant vortex spiral, which has transformed the lut region into a significant sand trap. insights drawn from morpho-sedimentary mapping, alongside dated geological evidence like the gandom beryan lava flow, establish a timeline for sediment transport and landscape evolution over the past million years. this research finds that the lut desert is not just an internal drainage system for sand but also a major atmospheric dust contributor, leading to a net loss of mass from the region. the findings underscore the dominant role wind-blown sand plays in shaping arid landscapes, both through erosional and depositional processes that are intrinsically linked to varying wind regimes and climate cycles. the study presents a comprehensive understanding of aeolian processes, bridging landscape dynamics with atmospheric circulation. the methodologies and results could also have implications for studying similar systems on other planetary surfaces, such as mars or titan.