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Desert Landscapes: Modelling and Measuring Aeolian Systems

When you'll study it
Semester 1
CATS points
15
ECTS points
7.5
Level
Level 6
Module lead
Joanna Nield
Academic year
2025-26

Module overview

Some of the biggest uncertainties in climate change predictions come from our lack of understanding of the impact of some of the smallest airborne dust particles. These dust particles are transported between continents from some of the hottest and most unpopulated regions on our planet, and potentially end up fertilising tropical rain forests or ocean algal blooms. Yet, even in the harshest of desert environments, vegetation or bacteria may still exist, and help to shape the windy landscapes that they reside in. Landscapes where wind-blown sand forms some of the most exquisite, self-organised patterns visible on satellite images and recognisable on other planets.