Wind erosion is a natural process that moves soil from one location to another by wind power. ... Wind erosion can be caused by a light wind that rolls soil particles along the surface through to a strong wind that lifts a large volume of soil particles into the air to create dust storms. Water erosion is the detachment and removal of soil material by water. ... Deposition of the sediment removed by erosion is likely in any area where the velocity of running water is reduced—behind plants, litter, and rocks; in places where slope is reduced; or in streams, lakes, and reservoirs.
Wind erosion damages the soil by physically removing the most fertile part, lowering water-holding capacity, degrading soil structure, and increasing soil variability across a field, resulting in reduced crop production. It tends to remove silts and clays making the soils sandier.
Erosion breaks down soil structure, exposing organic matter within soil aggregates to decomposition and loss. Degraded soil structure reduces the rate of water infiltration
Wind erosion is referred to as eolian erosion.
Differences in atmospheric pressure will cause the motion of air that can erode surface material when velocities are high enough to move particles.
Eolian erosion is more pronounced in dry regions and in areas where there is insufficient rainfall to support vegetation and root systems.
Wind cannot carry as large particles as flowing water, but easily pick ups dry particles of soil, sand and dust and carries them away.
Wind generally causes erosion by deflation and/or abrasion.
Wind breaks are often planted by farmers to reduce wind erosion.