How Wind Causes Erosion 

Wind causes erosion by deflation and abrasion. Wind is the weakest cause of erosion. Even though wind is the weakest agent, it is still a powerful force in shaping the land near areas where there is little plant growth. Abrasion by wind carried sand can polish rock, but causes little erosion.

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Deflation

Deflation is a process where wind removes surface materials. Deflation is the main way wind causes erosion. When wind blows over the land it picks up small particles of sediment. This sediment is made of pieces of silt and clay. The stronger the wind, the bigger the sediment it can carry. Sediment such as sand bounces and rolls along the ground because it is too heavy to be picked up.

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Wind Deposition

All sediment that is picked up by wind will eventually fall back to the ground. The sediment falls to the ground as a result of the wind slowing down or an obstacle traps the wind blown sediment. Wind erosion and deposition may form sand dunes and loess deposits.

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Sand Dunes

When the wind hits an obstacle it can create a sand dune. Sand dunes can be found on beaches and deserts where there are fine sediments. Sand dunes can be many different shapes and sizes. Some sand dunes can be long and have parallel ridges and others can be shaped as an U. Some sand dunes can be 500 meters tall. Slowly, sand shifts with the wind from one side of the dune to the other, making the sand dune move. Sometimes, plants can grow on a sand dune and anchor the sand in place. 

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Loess Deposits

Loess is fine sediment that is wind deposited. Sediment that is finer than sand can sometimes be deposited in layers far from where it was created. Loess helps to form fertile soil. Areas with thick deposits of loess are very valuable for farming crops.