Internal Structure of Sand Dunes in the Badain Jaran Desert Revealed by GPR

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys of mega dunes in the Badain Jaran Desert, China, revealed a hidden moisture layer beneath their arid surface, challenging assumptions about desert hydrology. The study identified quasi-evenly spaced bedding features on the windward side of dunes, oriented parallel to the leeward slope and aligned with the angle of repose for dry sands. These beddings form due to periodic cementation by moisture and calcareous deposits, which enhance sand strength and facilitate the growth of these towering structures. The findings suggest that groundwater from local sources may partially recharge nearby salt lakes, offering a mechanism for their persistence in an otherwise hyper-arid environment. Numerical simulations validated the observed radar profiles, supporting the proposed internal structure model.

Qian, R., & Liu, L. (2016). Internal Structure of Sand Dunes in the Badain Jaran Desert Revealed by GPR. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing, 9(1), 159–166. https://doi.org/10.1109/jstars.2015.2426507