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Abstract Here, we present the results of turbulent flow structures and their influence on aeolian sand transport over gobi surfaces based on quadrant analysis. The results show that the classified turbulent structures over gobi accounted for 43%–44% of the time frequency and contributed ∼97% to the Reynolds stress, yet the contribution rates to sand transport rate ranged from 45% to 52%. Sweeps (Quadrant 4) and ejections (Q2) were the two most frequent events and accounted for 70% of the total frequency for the classified turbulent structures. Sweeps made a major contribution of 51%–57% to sand transport rate over gobi. Outward interactions (Q1) were relatively rare, but they individually entrained as much sand as sweeps of comparable magnitude and duration. The turbulent structures over gobi show similar behaviors comparable to those of water flows over gravel riverbeds or rough seabeds yet different from those of air flow over flat sand surfaces.