Observation of saltation activity at Tazhong area in Taklimakan Desert,China

A two-year field observation of saltation activity was carried out at Tazhong area,the hinterland area of the Taklimakan Desert with highly frequent dust storms.From 1 September 2008 to 31 August 2010,a piezoelectric saltation sensor(Sensit) was used to continuously collect the data on saltation activity at a level sand surface.Analysis on the data suggests that saltation activity can occur at any time of the year when conditions are favorable;however,the necessary conditions are rarely satisfied in most time.In the daytime of spring or summer,saltation activity can persist even over a continuous one-hour-or-so period.It is found that,from 1 September 2008 to 31 August 2010,saltation activity accounts for more than 3% of the total yearly time,and it tends to peak in spring and summer months with strong winds.During winter months when winds are weak,however,it is often at a minimum.It seems that precipitation does not appear to be significant in reducing saltation activity in arid regions like Tazhong.