Theory question 203
Wind and Desert Landforms(a) Distinguish between deflation and abrasion
(b) Using specific examples, describe one landform produced by each of the processes in (a) above
(c) Give any two reasons why wind erosion is more active in arid than in humid regions
Show the model answer
(a) Deflation: wind lifting and blowing away loose dry sand and dust, lowering the land surface. Abrasion: wind-blown sand blasting, scratching and wearing away rock surfaces
(b) Deflation – deflation hollow/basin, e.g. Qattara Depression (Egypt); also reg/desert pavement. Abrasion – rock pedestal/mushroom rock, zeugen or yardang, e.g. in the Sahara
(c) Little or no vegetation to bind the soil or break the wind; dry, loose particles with no moisture to hold them together; strong winds over open flat land; mechanical weathering supplies plenty of loose sand
Deflation removes; abrasion scratches.