The Truth About Wind Erosion in Deserts

What are the true statements about wind erosion in deserts? Wind erodes the desert through deflation and abrasion. Blowout size caused by deflation can vary. Sand travels horizontally close to the ground surface, limiting the vertical sandblasting effect.

Understanding Wind Erosion in Deserts

Wind erodes the desert in two ways: deflation and abrasion. Deflation is the removal of loose particles from the ground surface by wind, while abrasion is the sandblasting effect of wind carrying sand particles and hitting other surfaces. This causes erosion and smooths out rocks and landforms over time.

Blowout Size Variation

All blowouts caused by deflation are about the same size. This statement is false. Blowouts caused by deflation can vary in size depending on factors such as wind speed, sediment size, and the initial shape of the land surface.

Sandblasting Effect Limitation

Sand rarely travels more than a meter above the surface, so the wind's sandblasting effect is limited in the vertical direction. Due to gravity and the resistance of the atmosphere, sand particles are primarily transported horizontally close to the ground surface, limiting the vertical sandblasting effect of wind.

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