Arenemisest

Arenemisest is a neologism used in some discussions of sedimentology and atmospheric science to describe a proposed mechanism by which sand particles interact with atmospheric mist to form transient cohesive structures in arid environments. The term is a portmanteau of arena, meaning sand, and mist. In this view, under certain humidity, wind shear, and electrostatic conditions, fine aerosol contaminants or water vapor can accumulate around sand grains to create short-lived, microstructured aggregates that affect transport and deposition.

Etymology: The name is constructed from arena (sand) and mist, reflecting the suggested interaction between sand grains and moist aerosols.

Proposed mechanisms: Capillary bridges between grains, electrostatic charging, and humidity-driven adhesion can promote temporary cohesion of sand–mist clusters, altering threshold wind speeds for saltation and the rate of dune migration. Observational support is limited to indirect measurements and laboratory simulations; field validation remains scarce.

Usage and reception: Arenemisest is not widely adopted as a standard term. It appears mainly in speculative or theoretical discussions and has not been codified in major glossaries. Some researchers prefer broader terms such as dust–mist interactions or cohesive aeolian processes.

Impact and relation: If validated, the concept could influence models of dust emission, aerosol transport, and dune dynamics, particularly in coastal and desert margins where fog or dew interacts with loose sands.

See also: Aeolian processes, dust storms, dune formation, saltation, aerosol dynamics.