Measurements of Wind, Aeolian Sand Transport, and Precipitation in the Colorado River Corridor, Grand Canyon, Arizona — November 2003 to December 2004
Draut AE and Rubin DM. 2005. Measurements of Wind, Aeolian Sand Transport, and Precipitation in the Colorado River Corridor, Grand Canyon, Arizona — November 2003 to December 2004. Open-File Report 2005-1309
This report presents measurements of aeolian sediment-transport rates, wind speed and direction, and precipitation records from nine locations in the Colorado River corridor in Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. Aeolian deposits, many of which contain and preserve archaeological material, are a critical part of the Grand Canyon ecosystem. Data collected between November 2003 and December 2004 indicate that wind velocities and sand transport were greatest during April and May 2004 (with maximum winds locally >25 m s-1, and transport rates locally ~5 kg cm-1 day-1). Dominant wind direction during strong wind intervals varies with location, but during the April-May windy season the greatest transport potential was directed upstream in Marble Canyon (upper Grand Canyon). Such information can be used to evaluate the potential for aeolian reworking of new fluvial sand deposits, and restoration of higher-elevation aeolian deposits, following a 60-hour controlled flood release from Glen Canyon Dam in November 2004.