Satellite retrieved soil surface dynamics reduce the extent and frequency of sediment flux with implications for early warning systems

Abstract Wind-driven sediment transport causes severe land degradation, soil carbon loss, and atmospheric dust emissions. Society relies on sediment transport models for climate-dust interactions, early warnings of sand and dust storms, reduced air quality and transport hazards. However, models have long assumed fixed sediment initiation threshold and unlimited sediment supply. Here we present comprehensive data from satellite retrievals and new wind tunnel measurements, which matches previous field studies and shows dynamic thresholds feedback to reduce sediment supply. We reveal that the magnitude and frequency of sediment transport events are misrepresented by current models. Globally, dynamic thresholds decrease unrealistic fluxes by 45% in mainly vegetated and rough-surfaced areas which reduces wind erosion-effected areas by 69% (~ 40% of the Earth’s land surface). Large scale models used in society’s applications must include dynamic soil surface conditions to adequately represent dust emission and operate early warning systems for sand and dust-related hazards and sustainable land use/management.