Aeolian processes

Aeolian transport (after Aeolus = Greek god of wind ) is a transport mechanism in which fine material (eg silt and clay minerals ) from the starting substrate ( loose rock ) are transported by the wind over long distances and can be remotely deposited the area of ​​origin. Aeolian transport usually occurs in arid or semi-arid landscapes without a closed vegetation cover. A typical example of this form of transport is the sandstorm.

The material can be transported as a function of grain size, fine-grained material as a floating cargo by suspension in the air or at a coarser grain (sand ) by saltation ( jumping motion).

Landforms that are formed by aeolian transport are eg dunes and stable loess walls and Lössdecken. Aeolian transport can also move against gravity, in contrast to other transport mechanisms material.