The movement of sand or other sediments by short jumps and bounces that is caused by wind or water.

A form of wind erosion in which fine, dry soil particles are blown away.

The grinding and wearing away of rock surfaces through the mechanical action of other rock or sand particles.

Areas where there is little vegetation, the wind may scoop out depressions in the landscape.

What does erosion do?

Erosion moves soil, sand, and rock particles and transports them from one place to another.

What areas are more vulnerable to wind erosion?

Places with little plant cover can be severely affected by wind erosion because plant roots anchor sand and soil in place. Deserts and coastlines that are made of fine, loose material and have little plant cover are shaped most dramatically by the wind.

What does abrasion do to rocks?

It creates a sand blasting effect which helps to erode, smooth, and polish rocks.

Where did many loess deposits come from?

Many loess deposits came from glacial sources during the last ice age.

What are the steps of dune formation?

The wind hits an obstacle, such as a plant or a rock, the wind slows down. As it slows, the wind deposits, or drops, the heavier material. The material collects, which creates an additional obstacle. This obstacle causes even more material to be deposited, forming a mound. Eventually, the original obstacle becomes buried, forming a dune.

How do dunes move?

Dunes move in the direction of strong wind. The side that the wind is on becomes the windward slope. The opposite side becomes the slip face, which is very steep.