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Wind Erosion Definition

Wind erosion moves sand and soil from one place to another. For example, it forms or erases sand dunes.

View Lesson on Changing the Shape of Land
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Changing the Shape of Land

LESSON MATERIALSmove

Fun Facts

  • You could plant trees to slow down wind erosion. Cutting down trees increases wind erosion.
  • Wind can move tiny pieces of the Earth's surface very far and very fast.
  • Wind erosion is more common in areas with less rain that have drier soil.

Why Do We Need To Know About Wind Erosion

Learning about wind erosion helps us know how it changes different places and why it’s important for many jobs. For example, people who study rocks (geologists) and those who build things (construction workers) need to understand how wind can move dirt and sand. They use this knowledge to make buildings and other structures that won’t easily get damaged by erosion, making sure they are safe and last a long time.

Also, people working to protect the environment learn about wind erosion because it can change the shape of the land and affect plants and animals. They try to reduce the harm erosion can cause. This helps keep natural areas healthy and prevents land from being worn away by the wind. Knowing about wind erosion is useful for many different jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can wind change the shape of the land?
Wind can carry soil across a distance, such as sand dunes forming or being blown away. This is called wind erosion.
How can water change the shape of the land?
Water can carry tiny pieces of the Earth’s surface downstream, like how the Grand Canyon was formed by the flowing water of the Colorado River.
What are some examples of erosion?
Wind breaking down rocks and carrying the particles away is an example of erosion. You can also see how over time a river carries soil downstream and makes rocks in the river smoother.
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