Spatial and temporal variation of the near-surface wind regimes in the Taklimakan Desert, Northwest China

The characteristics of eolian sand activity are greatly influenced by the wind regime, and wind regimes have been changing around the world in response to climate change. This has also been true in the desert area of northwestern China since 1965, and these changes have changed the region’s landforms, sandstorm frequency, and desertification. In this study, we analyzed the temporal and spatial variation of the region’s near-surface wind field since 1965. We found an average annual wind speed during this period of 1.7 m s−1, with a decreasing trend from 1965 to 2000 and an increasing trend from 2000 to 2015. The maximum rate of decrease occurred in the spring and in the eastern Taklimakan Desert. The variation of the average wind speed depended on the frequency of winds strong enough to entrain sand (with a wind speed > 6 m s−1). We also found that variations of the drift potential were primarily controlled by three prevailing wind groups (winds from the northwest, north, and northeast), but showed complex changes between seasons and regions. The wind direction in the Taklimakan Desert is characterized by two characteristics of branch and steering, the branch line is swinging in the direction of the east and the west (81.5° E~84° E). The changes in wind speed were mainly caused by a decreased frequency of strong winds, precipitation, and urban development. However, the variation of wind speed had less impact on the desert environment than the variation of wind direction.