How can wind deflation create shallow playa basins?

Wind deflation creates shallow playa basins by removing loose, dry sediments from flat areas through the action of turbulent wind eddies.12

In arid environments, the surfaces of playas and saline flats often develop crusts of clay and salt that curl and flake as they dry. These loose particles are easily picked up and transported by the wind, a process that gradually erodes the surface and deepens the basin. The eroded material is typically deposited on the leeward side of the basin, often forming features such as dunes or, in the case of Australia, lunettes.312

This erosive process continues until the basin reaches the water table, at which point further deflation is generally prevented unless the water table itself is lowered by evaporation. While some large depressions are attributed to this process, it is a primary mechanism for the formation of smaller, shallow basins in desert regions.12