Relationships between desert dunes during the late quaternary in the Lake Frome region, Strzelecki Desert, Australia

Abstract

Transverse and linear dunes near the ephemeral Lake Frome in the Strzelecki Desert of Australia provide evidence for a genetic geomorphic relationship between desert dune types. Transverse dunes, overlying palaeoshorelines, lie upwind from linear dunes. The sedimentology of both dune types is similar, suggesting reworking or downwind transport of the same source material over time. Clay pellets from several horizons within the linear and transverse dunes provide evidence for fluctuating water tables and high evaporation rates during those periods of aeolian activity, along with salt influx associated with the deflation of Lake Frome. We conclude that the nature and initiation of dune activit..