Aeolian sand dune fixation – critical review of measures, challenges and future perspectives with a case study on Thar Desert

Abstract

Aeolian-driven sand dune erosion is an escalating environmental and socioeconomic challenge in arid and semi-arid deserts, particularly in the Thar Desert, which faces intensified dune migration due to climate change and increased anthropogenic activities. This article provides a comprehensive review of sand dune fixation (SDF) strategies in the Thar Desert, evaluating their effectiveness in mitigating the adverse impacts of dune erosion. The review begins by examining globally adopted SDF measures, followed by a focused analysis of the Thar Desert’s geomorphology, dune evolution, and the reactivation of dunes driven by climatic shifts and anthropogenic pressures. The article reviews aeolian soil dynamics, dune soil characteristics, and the limitations of existing SDF strategies in the region. Western Rajasthan districts including Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, and Jodhpur are highlighted, where wind-driven dune mobility has reached alarming levels. A field-based pilot study at a solar park in western Rajasthan suggests that surface treatments like stone mulching with cement mortar improve dune stability, particularly on sloped dunes. Additionally, Khejri tree plantations are identified as a sustainable long-term solution due to their deep root systems and minimal water requirements. Despite these promising findings, the review identifies significant gaps in current research, including a lack of field-based investigations, aerodynamic considerations, scalable mechanical solutions, and grain-scale or dune morphology studies. Furthermore, the integration of climate change models in evaluating dune dynamics remains insufficient. This article advocates for a holistic, multidisciplinary approach combining geomorphology, wind engineering, and climate science to develop effective dune migration control strategies and calls for urgent research to address these critical gaps.