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

Eolian sand transport in the atmospheric surface layer (ASL) is a typical kind of gas–solid two-phase flow at high Reynolds number. However, direct measurements of high-frequency total saltation mass flux in the ASL are particularly challenging. This study presents a novel method for predicting total saltation mass flux fluctuating time series in the near-neutral ASL based on studying the response of total saltation mass flux to streamwise wind speed. The normalized total saltation mass flux fluctuating time series can be predicted by our model using one-point streamwise wind speed data measured near the surface, and the total saltation mass flux fluctuating time series predicted by the new model have a good correlation with the directly measured results, especially for low-frequency signals. Additionally, the power spectra and the probability density functions of the normalized total saltation mass flux fluctuations demonstrate strong agreement with the measured results, both qualitatively and quantitatively. These findings indicate that our predictive model offers a novel approach for predicting the fluctuating time series of saturated total saltation mass flux in the near-neutral ASL. Furthermore, our model may facilitate scientific research and engineering applications related to eolian sand transport in the ASL.