
Many people believe that rainwater is the only cause of soil erosion. However, the wind also contributes to a fair share of topsoil loss. Wind erosion occurs naturally, and it entails the wind propelling dirt and sand away from their place on the ground. Wind erosion is most common in dry areas where the soil is both dry, loose, and finely granulated.
Types of Soil Erosion?
There are three different types of soil erosion.
- Surface Creep: Surface creep is a type of wind erosion that occurs when the wind rolls across the surface while carrying large particles of soil. The large particles collide as they roll, dislodging other particles and causing them to move along.
- Saltation: Saltation is a type of wind erosion that occurs when the wind carries middle-sized soil particles, which are light enough to be lifted off the surface and are too large to remain suspended. These particles bounce along the surface, causing abrasion.
- Suspension: Suspension is a type of wind erosion that occurs when the wind lifts off tiny particles from the ground and moves them by air. Dust storms are a perfect example of suspension in wind erosion, with the suspended soils being carried off indefinitely.
Read More: How Erosion Control Methods Vary Across Different Soil Types
Why Does Wind Erosion Happen?
Wind erosion is destructive to the natural environment. Various factors contribute to the occurrence of wind erosion, including:
- Soil Moisture: Soil moisture defines the amount of water that is mixed with the soil. As long as there’s moisture in the soil, soil particles are bound together in a very strong bond. Without soil moisture, the soil becomes drier and has smaller particles, and it is more prone to being carried away by the wind.
- Wind Speed: Calculating the speed of the wind and its ability to cause wind erosion is not easy. Strong winds can carry more soil from the surface than winds moving at a slower pace.
- Absence of Ground Cover: Trees are most important in the fight against wind erosion, and their absence is one of the other factors why wind erosion occurs. Land with tree cover does not experience fast-moving winds because the trees become an impendence to wind speed. The absence of ground cover means that the wind is free to move at accelerated speeds, leading to intense wind erosion.
Read more: The Importance of Safety in Erosion Control
Take Action Against Erosion in Johns Creek
Erosion in any form can devastate local environments and the planet. At Erosion Management Services, we are committed to mitigating the effects of wind erosion by stabilizing steep slopes and managing runoff areas, including specialized solutions for yard drainage in Johns Creek. To help restore your grounds to a healthy state, contact us today.