A predictive model for total saltation mass flux fluctuating time series in the near-neutral atmospheric surface layer.

This article focuses on developing a predictive model for saturated total saltation mass flux fluctuating time series in the near-neutral atmospheric surface layer (ASL), a key aspect of eolian (wind-blown) sand transport. Using high-frequency field observations from three coastal sites, the study demonstrates that total saltation mass flux fluctuations strongly correlate with streamwise wind speed fluctuations, particularly at low frequencies associated with large-scale coherent turbulent structures. The model, inspired by turbulence modulation theories, predicts normalized saltation mass flux fluctuations from one-point near-surface wind speed measurements and shows good agreement with measured data in terms of time series, power spectra, and probability density functions. While applicable under steady, near-neutral, saturated sand transport conditions over sandy flat surfaces, the model requires recalibration for other environments and offers a novel tool for advancing research and engineering applications related to eolian sand transport and high Reynolds number multiphase flows in the ASL.