Dust transport by Berg winds off the coast of SWA

Abstract

Abstract by author:

The flux and concentration of terrigenous material in the diatomaceous mud belt off central Namibia was calculated in order to relate the figures to dust-plume positions and densities. The results indicated that there is a positive correlation between flux and plume position and density. The constant directions of the dust plumes, their source and their association with Berg Winds was investigated using Meteosat, Landsat and weather - bulletin data. This was done to establish the relationship between plume position and source and to add to general information on Berg-Wind mechanics. From these various analyses, I concluded that the plumes, which seem to originate from non-perennial river flood deposits, have the same direction as the Berg Winds. The direction of these winds, it was thought, are controlled by the overall meteorological conditions and by the funneling effect of the valleys. That these north-easterly Berg Winds have been operative for some time is indicated by sand accumulations on the east sides of inselbergs, sand streaks and ventifacts