On the prediction of bed-load sand transport rate in air

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the parameterization of aeolian mass transport rate beginning with a critical discussion of four different forms of the prediction equation. Following this, recent progress in understanding the physics of the aeolian system is used to suggest an alternative approach which provides some new insights into the prediction of mass flux. The primary object of the paper is not to add another transport rate equation to those already present in the literature but rather to discuss the transport system in relation to the physical processes showing, to some extent, why reliable transport rate prediction has so far been elusive.