Fluvial-aeolian sedimentary facies, Sossusvlei, Namib Desert

Researchers have identified and mapped six distinct sedimentary facies in the Sossusvlei area of the Namib Sand Sea, revealing the complex interplay between fluvial and aeolian processes. This study provides a detailed spatial distribution pattern of these facies using remote sensing combined with ground observations, laboratory spectral measurements, Principal Component Analysis, band ratios, texture, and geomorphologic indices. The supervised classification algorithm, trained by field data, achieved high accuracy in distinguishing modern aeolian sand, deflation surfaces, mud pools/mud drapes, heavy mineral lag, reworked fluvial–aeolian sediments, and fossil dune remnants. The resulting 1:10,000 scale map offers a robust methodology for monitoring desert environments and understanding sediment dynamics in arid landscapes.

Feder, A., Zimmermann, R., Stollhofen, H., Caracciolo, L., Garzanti, E., & Andreani, L. (2018). Fluvial-aeolian sedimentary facies, Sossusvlei, Namib Desert. Journal of Maps, 14(2), 630–643. https://doi.org/10.1080/17445647.2018.1526719