Age and dynamics of linear dunes in the Namib Desert

Research Article| June 01, 2007 Age and dynamics of linear dunes in the Namib Desert C.S. Bristow; C.S. Bristow 1School of Earth Science, Birkbeck College, University of London, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, UK Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar G.A.T. Duller; G.A.T. Duller 2Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3DB, UK Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar N. Lancaster N. Lancaster 3Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, Nevada 89512, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (2007) 35 (6): 555–558. https://doi.org/10.1130/G23369A.1 Article history received: 16 Sep 2006 rev-recd: 01 Feb 2007 accepted: 07 Feb 2007 first online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation C.S. Bristow, G.A.T. Duller, N. Lancaster; Age and dynamics of linear dunes in the Namib Desert. Geology 2007;; 35 (6): 555–558. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G23369A.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Ground-penetrating radar and luminescence dating studies of a large, complex, linear dune in the northern part of the Namib Sand Sea provide new information on the age and internal sedimentary structures of these dunes, with important implications for interpretations of paleoclimates and the rock record of eolian sandstones. The dune is a composite feature formed during several episodes of construction, including a hiatus of almost 2000 yr. The oldest sands within the dune are 5700 yr old, indicating complete turnover of sand during the Holocene. The dune has moved laterally by ∼300 m during the past 2500 yr, proving lateral migration of a large linear dune. Dune construction has been affected by climate change, and we attribute the hiatus to increased rainfall and vegetation, which largely halted sand movement and dune building in the Namib Desert during the middle Holocene. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.