Erosion by Wind

Wind moves sediment in different ways, depending on particle size. Tiny particles like clay and silt stay in the air for days and travel far, a process called suspension.

Slightly larger sand particles bounce close to the ground, known as saltation. The largest particles roll or slide along the surface, referred to as creep.

In dry areas, wind erosion is common during dust storms, when loose soil is easily carried away due to the lack of moisture and vegetation.

As wind removes small particles, the ground level gradually drops, leaving behind larger rocks. This process is called deflation. The remaining surface, covered with gravel-sized particles that resist further movement by the wind, is known as desert pavement.

Over time, wind-blown sand sculpts and smooths rock surfaces, much like sandblasting. This type of erosion is called abrasion. In some cases, it even carves rocks into unusual shapes.

In desert regions, exposed rocks develop a dark brown or black coating called desert varnish, formed by wind-carried clay reacting with iron and manganese oxides in high heat.