(RHIE) Wind Lesson

Wind

Wind is an effective agent in causing erosion in dry, arid climates like deserts. The main way that wind causes erosion is by deflation.

Deflation is the process by which wind removes surface materials. Wind blows over the land and picks up the smallest particles of sediment. Clay and silt make up this sediment. Stronger winds can pick up larger particles. Some materials that are somewhat heavy might gain lift from strong winds but will appear to almost bounce or skip along. Deflation can move the topsoil in an area leaving only stones and rocky materials. The photo shows desert pavement formed in the Mojave Desert as a result of deflation.

Wind Erosion Activity

Click the arrows below to find the instructions for the activity. 

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