How does wind erode and deposit sediment? Today's Objective: How does wind erode and deposit sediment?

Wind Erosion Wind erodes in two ways: Deflation – the lifting or removing of loose particles such as clay and silt. (small particles) Abrasion – wind blown sand blasts exposed rock smoothing and polishing them.

Wind erosion is more effective in deserts than in humid regions. WHY?

**Wind can only pick up small light particles Wind erosion is more effective in deserts because the DRY sediments are lighter than in humid regions where sediments are wet and heavier. **Wind can only pick up small light particles

Wind Deposition Graded bedding - As energy is lost, larger particles are dropped first then smaller material Smaller particles are on top Larger particles are on the bottom

Deposition due to WIND results in small sorted particles

Wind Landforms Layers of Loess – wind blown silt blankets a region. (Dust Bowl) Sand Dunes – Sand accumulated in a mound.

Sand begins to accumulate wherever an obstruction (ex – clump of vegetation) crosses it’s path and slows movement. Gentle slope is on the windward side Steep slope is on the sheltered (leeward) side.

These layers are inclined in the direction wind is blowing. Crossbeds – sloping layers caused by sand being deposited on the sheltered side of a dune. These layers are inclined in the direction wind is blowing. Wind Direction