Characteristics and Hazards of an Aeolian Sand Environment along Railways in the Southeastern Fringe of the Taklimakan Desert and Sand Control Measures

Based on wind velocity and wind direction data monitored by Qiemo and Ruoqiang Meteorological Stations, a systematic elaboration on the wind-sand hazards threatening railways in the study area is given. The results indicate that the study area had an annual sand-moving wind frequency of 7.63-20.09%. The prevailing directions of sand-moving wind were NE and ENE. The annual drift potential (DP) of the study area fell within the range of 66.18-124.21 VU, so the study area had a low-wind-energy environment. The yearly direction variability index fell within 0.594-0.610, which was a medium ratio. The yearly resultant drift directions (RDDs) were 222.34 degrees (SW) and 241.79 degrees (WSW), respectively. The seasonal DPs and sand-moving wind frequencies in various directions manifested consistent variation characteristics. The direction variability index presented obvious seasonal variation characteristics. The surface particles in the study area were primarily extremely fine sand, fine sand, and medium sand, which formed wind-sand flows under the sand-moving wind, resulting in railway erosion and two forms of hazards (sand burial and wind erosion) along railways. Following the "blocking-fixing" principle, sand control measures combining mechanical and biological elements are taken along railways to ensure safe service.