Although the western Sahara Desert is dominated by aeolian dunes, research on the geomorphology of aeolian dunes throughout this region as a unit has been limited compared with other large deserts. In the present study, comprehensive research is conducted on the geomorphology of dunes in the western Sahara Desert based on aeolian parameters and dune growth mechanisms. We identified the controlling factors on the dune morphology and formation of superimposed dunes. The results suggest that the spatial patterns of dune morphology are closely correlated with the drift potential (DP) and dune orientation. A well-defined gradient of declining DP, resultant drift potential (RDP), and directional wind variability from north to south was found, indicating a gradual weakening trend in the DP along the sand flow path. Linear and transverse dunes are distributed on the central part of the desert. Barchan dunes are distributed on the western coastal areas and desert margins. Lastly, star dunes are distributed in the upwind on the northern desert margin. We concluded that the wind regime and sand availability directly impact the dune morphology in the western Sahara Desert by considering the growth mechanisms. This study provides valuable reference data on regional aeolian activities that can be used by subsequent regional aeolian geomorphology studies in the western Sahara Desert.

尽管西撒哈拉沙漠以风成沙丘为主，但与其他大型沙漠相比，对该地区整个地区的风成沙丘地貌的研究相对有限。本研究基于风成参数和沙丘生长机制对西撒哈拉沙漠沙丘地貌进行综合研究。我们确定了沙丘形态和叠加沙丘形成的控制因素。结果表明，沙丘形态的空间格局与漂移电位（DP）和沙丘方向密切相关。发现了一个明确的 DP 下降梯度、合成漂移潜力 (RDP) 和从北到南的定向风变率，表明 DP 沿着沙流路径逐渐减弱。线状和横向沙丘分布在沙漠中部。新月形沙丘分布在西部沿海地区和沙漠边缘。最后，星沙丘分布在沙漠北部边缘的上风处。我们得出结论，通过考虑生长机制，风况和沙子可用性直接影响西撒哈拉沙漠的沙丘形态。本研究为区域风沙活动提供了有价值的参考数据，可为后续的西撒哈拉沙漠区域风沙地貌研究提供参考。我们得出结论，通过考虑生长机制，风况和沙子可用性直接影响西撒哈拉沙漠的沙丘形态。本研究为区域风沙活动提供了有价值的参考数据，可为后续的西撒哈拉沙漠区域风沙地貌研究提供参考。我们得出结论，通过考虑生长机制，风况和沙子可用性直接影响西撒哈拉沙漠的沙丘形态。本研究为区域风沙活动提供了有价值的参考数据，可为后续的西撒哈拉沙漠区域风沙地貌研究提供参考。