Erosion by Wind How does wind cause erosion

Erosion by Wind How does wind cause erosion? What features result from deposition by wind?

Wind causes erosion by deflation and abrasion. Wind is the weakest agent in shaping the land, but…

can be powerful in shaping the land in areas where there are few plants to hold the soil in place.

Where is wind erosion found? • In areas where there are few plants to hold the soil in place, like deserts.

Deflation • Wind blows across the land removes surface materials • Wind easily picks up the smallest particles of sediment. • Heavier particles only bounce around for a short time. • This does not usually have a huge effect on the land.

DEFLATION Examples:

Deflation can lead to the formation of desert pavement.

Abrasion • Can polish rock • Causes little erosion • Mostly a form of mechanical weathering

Abrasion • Examples

Deposition by wind forms sand dunes and loess deposits

Sand Dune • Forms when wind carries sediment from one place to another • Wind carries sediment until it slows down or hits an obstacle • Wind shifts sand from one side of the dune to the other slowly

Sand Dunes • Examples

Loess (Less) Deposits • Tiny particles of sediments, deposited in layers far from its source

Loess (Less) Deposits • Thick, yellowish deposit of wind blown dust • Is found mostly in northern China • Originally came from the Goby Desert

Loess (Less) Deposits • Provide good soil for grain-growing regions because, • Very fertile

Loess (Less) Deposits • Examples

Loess (Less) Deposits