20: Eolian Systems
By the end of this chapter you should be able to:
- Describe the factors that control and explain the processes of wind erosion, transportation, and deposition.
- Describe the environment and explain how various dunes form.
- Describe what loess is and explain its formation and distribution.
- Describe the impact of climate change on eolian processes and landforms.
Geomorphic processes performed by the wind are called eolian processes , or aeolian after the Greek god of the wind Aeolus . The work of wind shapes the Earth's surface into landforms from the sublime to the spectacular. Though dominating dry climates, eolian processes are also effective in humid regions as well. Here you will become familiar with the processes that create the vast sand seas of the Sahara desert to the wind blown silt-enriched soils of the central United States.
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- 20.1: Eolian Processes
- Eolian processes are most effective where surface material is fine, dry and loose. Vegetation imposes a frictional force on the wind to reduce its effectiveness. Thus, an environment devoid of vegetation is best. These conditions are met in deserts found on every continent of the world. In most cases, wind erosion predominates over deposition leaving a surface of stones. Only one quarter of Earth's deserts are partially or completely covered by sand.
Thumbnail: Part of star dunes, showing three curving arms with steep slip faces oriented in various directions, Namib Desert. (Courtesy USGS)