Facts about Wind Erosion

Our natural environment comprises a number of elements that are affected in quantum by the presence of external forces like wind, water and ice. Soil, rock and sediments from river beds and mountainous terrain are displaced by these forces regularly, by the minute. While the force of gravity is the major influencing factor, burrowing animals and chemical or physical weathering are also responsible for erosion. Erosion occurs concurrently, with the slightest shift in velocity or movement of the force responsible. Wind erosion is a natural process, but can also be induced or magnified via indiscriminate land use, deforestation, unmonitored construction, overgrazing and urbanization.

Wind velocity plays a very important role in the displacement of surface soil. Soil erosion not only disturbs the balance between the soil structure and plant roots, but also disrupts terrace-cultivation in a major way. Conservative practices in agriculture for tilling and sowing are affected by wind erosion. The ecosystem allows for a certain quantum of erosion; however, loss of soil in large quantities takes a long time to get replaced and causes damage to the delicate balance of nature. The rate of wind erosion depends on precipitation, temperature, wind speed and soil and rock type. These geologic factors affect the well-being of natural vegetation, living organisms as well as human life. Ecosystems with high-intensity winds are likely to be subjected to more erosion. Sediment and silt content on slopes are lost in the presence of strong winds. The resultant removal from one area and deposit in another affects the porosity and permeability of the surface.

Ground cover, both the litter and organic layers, is held firm by embedded roots and compacted rocks that stay firm due to precipitation and pressure. However, construction of roads and buildings and wanton deforestation increased the rate of wind erosion. The wind is able to easily blow away the sediments and ground cover that has come loose due to human action. These actions also impact drainage patterns, embankments and soil compaction, leading to exposure of mineral soil. Heavy grazing and drastic changes in vegetation also magnify the rate of wind erosion. Slash and burn treatments and shifting cultivation not only expose the ground cover to greater wind erosion, but also affect the habitats of dependent living organisms. Treatments such as these also render the region unproductive. The soil within a region slowly degenerates and becomes less fertile. Sad but true, nearly 40% of available agricultural land is thus degraded. Increased human and animal activities make erosion by wind easier and damaging to the ecosystem.

Overpopulation ripples on to vegetation removal for construction purpose and furrowing for vehicles, which in turn leads to mass wastage by wind velocity and movement. The erosion process involves the movement of sediment from higher to lower elevations, with sudden, disastrous results. The responsible mechanisms for the displacement include manifestation of topographical shifts. Depressions thus formed magnify the impact of poor engineering along the soil surface. Detached and airborne soil particles break soil aggregate and lower infiltration rate. This results in surface runoff during the monsoons. Concentrated and ephemeral flow routes constitute a change in the environment hydraulics. Wind erosion is largely the result of many superimposed, interactive processes. The bioerosion doubled in character due to scraping and grinding abrasion processes result in rock wedges and fissures, and ultimately, a breakdown. Wind erosion causes deflation of surface sediment by ecological succession. Global air temperature and precipitation intensities lead to greater rate of wind erosion.