• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.681-702
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• 2016

Two different modelling approaches to dune dynamics have been established thus far; continuous models that emphasize the precise representation of wind field, and feedback-based models that focus on the interactions between dunes, rather than aerodynamics. Though feedback-based models have proven their capability to capture the essence of dune dynamics, the compatibility issues on these models have less been addressed. This research investigated, mostly from the theoretical point of view, the algorithmic compatibility of three feedback-based dune models: sand slab models, Nishimori model, and de Castro model. Major findings are as follows. First, sand slab models and de Castro model are both compatible in terms of flux perspectives, whereas Nishimori model needs a tuning factor. Second, the algorithm of avalanching can be easily implemented via repetitive spatial smoothing, showing high compatibility between models. Finally, the wind shadow rule might not be a necessary component to reproduce dune patterns unlike the interpretation or assumption of previous studies. The wind shadow rule, rather, might be more important in understanding bedform-level interactions. Overall, three models show high compatibility between them, or seem to require relatively small modification, though more thorough investigation is needed.