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Name: ___________________________
Date: _____________________
Section: ____
Learning Strategies
Earth Movers - Wind
By Patti Hutchison
Have you ever seen a picture of a sand dune? If so, you have
seen the effects of wind. Wind can transport (move) earth materials
the same way water does.
1
There are some differences between wind and water movement,
however. First, wind does not depend on gravity to help it. Water
can only transport particles downhill. Wind can transport particles
uphill. That is how a sand dune is made.
2
Another difference between wind and water erosion is that wind is usually not a strong
force of erosion. Unless there is a tornado or hurricane, wind can't carry large particles like
water can.
3
Winds can move particles in different ways. Sand dunes build up from sand being blown
in a rolling motion. The sand continually blows up against an object, building more and
more sand forming a dune.
4
Particles can also be transported in a dust storm. Strong winds keep the soil or sand in
the air for long distances. This is called suspension.
5
Wind erosion occurs in areas that get little rain. In dry areas particles of dirt and rock
are not held strongly together. Wind easily picks up the particles and deposits them in
another place.
6
When the surface of the land is lowered because of wind erosion, it is called deflation.
Usually small particles are whisked off, leaving pebbles and other larger pieces behind.
7
During the Dust Bowl of the 1930's, a lot of deflation took place. A major drought
covered much of the Midwest. The land dried out and was eroded by strong winds.
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Wind can also cause a type of erosion called abrasion. Wind can cause fine particles of
sand and soil to rub against rocks and other surfaces. This causes them to wear down.
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Wind erosion can change the shape of the land. Most of the time, this is a slow process.
However, wind can cause dust or sand storms that can be dangerous and destructive.
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Copyright © 2008 edHelper
Earth Movers - Wind
1. Like water, wind depends on gravity 2. What is a dust storm?
to help it move particles.
False
True
3. Wind erosion takes place mostly in
4. What is deflation?
areas that ______.
Are covered with ice
Receive little rainfall
Receive a lot of rainfall
5. What caused the Dust Bowl?
A severe drought
A lot of snow and ice
Heavy rain
6. When wind causes sand and soil to
rub against rocks and wear them
down, it is called:
Deflation
Abrasion
Dust storm