Aeolian geomorphology of the Namib Sand Sea

This review is concerned with the aeolian geomorphology of the Namib Sand Sea, part of the Namib Desert in Namibia, south-west Africa, concentrating in particular on studies made over the past 50 years. The paper covers: sand sea organisation and dune patterns; and the dynamics of individual dunes. It demonstrates that studies in the Namib Sand Sea have been important to a much wider understanding of the geomorphological development of global sand seas.

► There are difficulties in recognising distinctions between dune types in the Namib.
► Geomorphological studies in the Namib Sand Sea have global significance.
► Remote sensing has great potential in dune studies although difficulties remain.