Dune Types

The Yardang Geoarea is located adjacent to the Kumtag Desert, with large numbers of mobile sand dunes distributed to its west and south. Sand dunes are created through aeolian deposition, which results in loose sand grains being accumulated. In the Yardang Geoarea, there are four types of sand dunes: crescent dunes, crescent dunes, pyramid-shaped dunes, and cone-shaped dune. Crescent dunes are primarily formed by the force of wind blowing in a single direction. The formation of pyramid-shaped or cone dunes requires the convergence of at least three winds of similar intensity but varying directions. Owing to differences in wind dynamics, sand grain thickness, and dune surface morphology, the sand ripples on the dune surface exhibit a wide range of diversity.

Pyramid-shaped Dune

Crescent Dune

Crescent Dunes

Cone-shaped Dune