Regularities of Wind–Sand Movement on Different Surfaces: Application to the Kubuqi Desert (China)

The Kubuqi Desert serves as a critical zone for both renewable energy development and ecological management in China. Large-scale photovoltaic (PV) deployment has fundamentally altered the regional underlying surface, impacting near-surface wind–sand dynamics. To elucidate these disturbance mechanisms, we selected three representative surfaces—a PV area, a resource base, and Qixing Lake—and conducted field observations from September to December 2023 using meteorological towers and wind erosion sensors. Results indicate that all surfaces significantly attenuated near-surface wind speeds by over 30% through modified flow field structures. A strong linear positive correlation existed between wind speed and friction velocity (R 2 ≈ 0.99). Notably, for the same friction velocity, the actual wind speed required to initiate sand movement was lowest in the PV zone (high k ) and highest at Qixing Lake (low k ), signifying enhanced surface stability due to PV infrastructure and moisture. Threshold analysis revealed distinct initiation speeds: >6.0 m·s −1 in peripheral quicksand, >4.3 m·s −1 in inter-panel zones, and >4.6 m·s −1 beneath panels. The tilted PV panels accelerate airflow downward, generating cyclonic vortices that intensify sand particle impacts under and between panels. This study reveals the tri-dimensional mechanism of wind regulation–sand suppression–stability enhancement, providing theoretical support for mitigating wind–sand disasters while advancing green energy in desert regions.