Aerodynamics and morphodynamics of sand fences: A review

• This is an extensive review of the aerodynamics and morphodynamics of sand fences.
• Fence height and porosity are the most important factors to reduce wind erosion.
• Fence porosity and porosity distribution are primary controls for sand trapping.
• Optimal design criteria for wind and sand fences are suggested.

This paper reviews literature on the aerodynamics and morphodynamics of sand fences. We consider both wind fences for reducing wind erosion, and sand-trapping fences for controlling sand deposition. There has been substantial trial-and-error research based upon installations of sand fences, but only limited research on the fence and site attributes that provide the main aerodynamic and morphodynamic controls of interactions between aeolian systems and the fences. Such attributes include: fence porosity, height, length, width, opening size and geometry, porosity distribution, and external factors such as incoming flow characteristics, roughness length, atmospheric stability, grain size and local landform change. Considerations for the optimal design for both wind fences and sand-trapping fences are presented.