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Questions and Answers
What percentage of soil transported by erosion in the U.S. is moved by wind?
What percentage of soil transported by erosion in the U.S. is moved by wind?
- 40% (correct)
- 25%
- 75%
- 50%
Which of the following is NOT a negative impact of wind erosion?
Which of the following is NOT a negative impact of wind erosion?
- Removes fertile soil
- Increases soil moisture retention (correct)
- Causes automobile accidents
- Obscures visibility and pollutes air
What is the threshold velocity required to initiate wind erosion?
What is the threshold velocity required to initiate wind erosion?
- 35 km/h
- 45 km/h
- 25 km/h (correct)
- 15 km/h
Which mode of wind-induced transportation refers to the movement of soil by short bounces along the surface?
Which mode of wind-induced transportation refers to the movement of soil by short bounces along the surface?
Which factor increases the vulnerability of areas to wind erosion the most?
Which factor increases the vulnerability of areas to wind erosion the most?
How does soil roughness affect wind erosion?
How does soil roughness affect wind erosion?
In which U.S. state have wind erosion-induced losses of up to 29 Mg/ha been recorded?
In which U.S. state have wind erosion-induced losses of up to 29 Mg/ha been recorded?
What role does wind-carried sediment play in the erosion process?
What role does wind-carried sediment play in the erosion process?
Flashcards
Wind Erosion
Wind Erosion
The process of wind carrying away soil particles, leading to soil degradation and other environmental problems.
Wind Erosion Impacts
Wind Erosion Impacts
Negative effects of wind erosion include loss of fertile topsoil, air and water pollution, reduced visibility, and threats to human and animal health.
Threshold Velocity
Threshold Velocity
The minimum wind speed required to initiate wind erosion, typically around 25 km/h (15 mph) at 12 inches above the ground.
Soil Roughness
Soil Roughness
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Soil Moisture
Soil Moisture
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Saltation
Saltation
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Creep
Creep
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Suspension
Suspension
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Study Notes
Wind Erosion
- Wind accounts for 40% of soil erosion in the U.S.
- Affects 75 million acres in the U.S.
- Wind erosion losses reached up to 29 Mg/ha in New Mexico.
- Negative impacts include removing fertile topsoil, obscuring visibility, polluting air and water, causing accidents, and harming animals and humans.
Mechanics of Wind Erosion
- Similar to water erosion, wind erosion involves detachment, transportation, and deposition.
Factors Affecting Wind Erosion
- Wind Velocity: Threshold velocity for initiating erosion is 25 km/h (15 mph) at 12 inches above the ground. High winds and consistent winds increase the erosion rate. Impacted soil particles increase detachment further.
- Soil Roughness: Smooth, unvegetated surfaces are most vulnerable. Rougher surfaces lead to reduced erosion.
- Soil Properties:
- Moisture content: Low rainfall areas (< 25 cm/yr) experiences higher rates of wind erosion. Moist soil is less susceptible.
- Stability of soil aggregates: Soil aggregates' stability affects wind erosion.
- Size of erodible particles: The size of erodible materials impacts the extent of erosion.
Modes of Wind-Induced Transportation
- Saltation: Soil particles bounce along the ground surface.
- Creep: Soil particles roll along the ground.
- Suspension: Soil particles are lifted into the air.
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Description
Explore the causes and effects of wind erosion, a significant factor in soil degradation in the U.S. Discover how wind velocity, soil roughness, and moisture content influence erosion dynamics. This quiz covers essential information about the mechanics and environmental consequences of wind erosion.
