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By Wind

Erosion by wind diagram Wind erosion and transport is a serious environmental problem in the driest parts of the world, removing soil from farmland and covering whole towns with sand and dust.

A strong breeze (wind speed 20 km/h) can easily pick up dry dust and fine sand. The lightest particles are swirled up into the air and carried in suspension for hundreds of kilometres, whilst sand grains bounce along the surface by saltation. Small pebbles can be moved along with the sand, a process called creep.
 

Approaching dust storm in a hot desert.

Approaching dust storm in a hot desert.
Wave rock, Australia – carved by wind-blown sand.

Wave rock, Australia – carved by wind-blown sand.
 

Sand Dunes

Sand dunes on a Welsh beach.

Sand dunes on a Welsh beach.

 Sand dunes form when wind-blow sand starts to pile up. Sand is eroded from the up-wind side of the dune and deposited on the down-wind side, so the whole dune gradually migrates down-wind. see animation).
 
 
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