A comprehensive grain-size database of surface sediments from the Taklamakan Desert

Abstract This study compiles the most comprehensive open-access surface sediment grain-size database (n = 596 samples) spanning the entire Taklamakan Desert, obtained through systematic field sampling and laser diffraction analysis. It provides essential data for understanding the desert formation,...

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Main Authors: Huiliang Li, Xin Gao, Yongcheng Zhao, Jie Zhou, Zihao Hu, Zhuo Chen, Zuowei Yang, Shengyu Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-04-01
Series:Scientific Data
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-04936-7
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author Huiliang Li
Xin Gao
Yongcheng Zhao
Jie Zhou
Zihao Hu
Zhuo Chen
Zuowei Yang
Shengyu Li
author_facet Huiliang Li
Xin Gao
Yongcheng Zhao
Jie Zhou
Zihao Hu
Zhuo Chen
Zuowei Yang
Shengyu Li
author_sort Huiliang Li
collection DOAJ
description Abstract This study compiles the most comprehensive open-access surface sediment grain-size database (n = 596 samples) spanning the entire Taklamakan Desert, obtained through systematic field sampling and laser diffraction analysis. It provides essential data for understanding the desert formation, evolution, sand sources, and the restoration of aeolian environments. By analyzing key sediment parameters (mean grain size, sorting, skewness, kurtosis) and particle compositions, the dataset reveals sediment transport dynamics and depositional processes critical for understanding desert formation, sand provenance, and aeolian environmental reconstruction. The quantitative characterization of sediment texture and sorting mechanisms provides foundational data for investigating regional dust emissions, wind erosion patterns, and sediment transport capacities. While the primary focus is on the Taklamakan Desert, the methodology and dataset apply to other arid regions, making it a valuable resource for comparative desert studies. It is an indispensable tool for researchers investigating desert landscapes and addressing environmental challenges related to desertification and aeolian processes.
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spelling doaj-art-a54365d6efa34f8593ccce13bb0ab25e2025-08-20T03:10:07ZengNature PortfolioScientific Data2052-44632025-04-0112111010.1038/s41597-025-04936-7A comprehensive grain-size database of surface sediments from the Taklamakan DesertHuiliang Li0Xin Gao1Yongcheng Zhao2Jie Zhou3Zihao Hu4Zhuo Chen5Zuowei Yang6Shengyu Li7College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang UniversityState key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of SciencesState key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of SciencesState key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of SciencesState key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of SciencesState key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of SciencesState key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of SciencesState key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of SciencesAbstract This study compiles the most comprehensive open-access surface sediment grain-size database (n = 596 samples) spanning the entire Taklamakan Desert, obtained through systematic field sampling and laser diffraction analysis. It provides essential data for understanding the desert formation, evolution, sand sources, and the restoration of aeolian environments. By analyzing key sediment parameters (mean grain size, sorting, skewness, kurtosis) and particle compositions, the dataset reveals sediment transport dynamics and depositional processes critical for understanding desert formation, sand provenance, and aeolian environmental reconstruction. The quantitative characterization of sediment texture and sorting mechanisms provides foundational data for investigating regional dust emissions, wind erosion patterns, and sediment transport capacities. While the primary focus is on the Taklamakan Desert, the methodology and dataset apply to other arid regions, making it a valuable resource for comparative desert studies. It is an indispensable tool for researchers investigating desert landscapes and addressing environmental challenges related to desertification and aeolian processes.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-04936-7
spellingShingle Huiliang Li
Xin Gao
Yongcheng Zhao
Jie Zhou
Zihao Hu
Zhuo Chen
Zuowei Yang
Shengyu Li
A comprehensive grain-size database of surface sediments from the Taklamakan Desert
Scientific Data
title A comprehensive grain-size database of surface sediments from the Taklamakan Desert
title_full A comprehensive grain-size database of surface sediments from the Taklamakan Desert
title_fullStr A comprehensive grain-size database of surface sediments from the Taklamakan Desert
title_full_unstemmed A comprehensive grain-size database of surface sediments from the Taklamakan Desert
title_short A comprehensive grain-size database of surface sediments from the Taklamakan Desert
title_sort comprehensive grain size database of surface sediments from the taklamakan desert
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-04936-7
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