wind action
Quick Summary
Wind action in geology refers to the process by which wind removes and transports surface materials, primarily soil and rock debris. This is a significant form of erosion, especially in arid and desert regions.1
Wind Erosion Processes
Wind erosion occurs through two main mechanisms:
* Deflation: The removal of loose, fine particles (like silt and clay) from the land surface. This process can leave behind larger, more resistant particles, forming a gravelly surface known as desert pavement.1
* Abrasion: The wearing down of landforms by wind-transported particles, such as sand. This is often described as sandblasting.1
Wind transports these materials through turbulent or laminar flow. The amount of material transported is dependent on wind velocity; stronger winds can carry larger particles and greater volumes of sand. Sand dunes are a direct result of wind action, where accumulated sand grains are shaped into mounds or ridges by the wind and gravity.123
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Kalahari DesertPhysiography and geology…greater part of them were wind-formed. The sheets occupy the eastern part of the Kalahari. Their surface elevation varies only slightly, with relief measured in tens of feet per mile. The depth of the sand there generally exceeds 200 feet. In many areas the sand is red, the result of…
Read More…greater part of them were wind-formed. The sheets occupy the eastern part of the Kalahari. Their surface elevation varies only slightly, with relief measured in tens of feet per mile. The depth of the sand there generally exceeds 200 feet. In many areas the sand is red, the result of…
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lakeBasins formed by wind action, animal activity, and meteoritesWind action may lead to dam or dune construction or erosion and thus can play a role in lake basin formation. The latter case has been demonstrated in North America; a number of basins in Texas and northward, on…
Read MoreWind action may lead to dam or dune construction or erosion and thus can play a role in lake basin formation. The latter case has been demonstrated in North America; a number of basins in Texas and northward, on…
Read More- playaEffects of wind action
Playas and saline flats are particularly susceptible to wind action. Clays and salts form crusts that curl and flake upon drying. The flakes and curls are readily deflated, and these wind-eroded sediments are then deposited leeward of the playas and saline flats from…
Read MorePlayas and saline flats are particularly susceptible to wind action. Clays and salts form crusts that curl and flake upon drying. The flakes and curls are readily deflated, and these wind-eroded sediments are then deposited leeward of the playas and saline flats from…
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caveSea caves, eolian caves, rock shelters, and talus caves…caves are chambers scoured by wind action. They are common in desert areas where they are formed in massive sandstone cliffs. Wind sweeping around such a cavity erodes the walls, floor, and ceiling, resulting in a bottle-shaped chamber usually of greater diameter than the entrance. Eolian caves are rarely longer…
Read More…caves are chambers scoured by wind action. They are common in desert areas where they are formed in massive sandstone cliffs. Wind sweeping around such a cavity erodes the walls, floor, and ceiling, resulting in a bottle-shaped chamber usually of greater diameter than the entrance. Eolian caves are rarely longer…
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Pleistocene EpochEolian activity…Pleistocene record and indicate widespread wind action at certain times and in certain areas of the world. Mention has already been made of the importance of loess–paleosol records in working out regional chronologies and paleoclimatic history. Loess blankets large portions of the central and northwestern United States, Alaska, the east…
Read More…Pleistocene record and indicate widespread wind action at certain times and in certain areas of the world. Mention has already been made of the importance of loess–paleosol records in working out regional chronologies and paleoclimatic history. Loess blankets large portions of the central and northwestern United States, Alaska, the east…
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soilErosive processesThe mechanisms involved in wind erosion depend on soil texture and the size of soil particles. Dry soil particles of silt or clay size can be transported over great distance by wind. Larger particles that are the size of fine sand, 0.05 mm (0.002 inch) to 0.5 mm (0.02…
Read MoreThe mechanisms involved in wind erosion depend on soil texture and the size of soil particles. Dry soil particles of silt or clay size can be transported over great distance by wind. Larger particles that are the size of fine sand, 0.05 mm (0.002 inch) to 0.5 mm (0.02…
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