Erosion and Deposition by
Wind
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Printed: November 24, 2014
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C HAPTER
Chapter 1. Erosion and Deposition by Wind
1
Erosion and Deposition by
Wind
Lesson 10.3: True or False
Name___________________ Class______________ Date________
Write true if the statement is true or false if the statement is false.
_____ 1. Wind causes very little erosion.
_____ 2. Wind can carry dust just a few kilometers.
_____ 3. Particles that the wind moves by traction stay on the ground.
_____ 4. Wind-blown sand cannot erode solid rock.
_____ 5. When wind slows down, it deposits smaller sediments first.
_____ 6. A sand dune migrates in the same direction that the wind usually blows.
_____ 7. A sand dune has a gentle slope on the slip face side.
_____ 8. Wind causes less erosion when it blows at a higher speed.
_____ 9. Wind erosion can be reduced by planting rows of trees around fields.
_____ 10. Fences are used to help prevent erosion of sand dunes.
Lesson 10.3: Critical Reading
Name___________________ Class______________ Date________
Read this passage based on the text and answer the questions that follow.
Formation of Sand Dunes
When the wind deposits sand, it forms small hills of sand. These hills are called sand dunes. For sand dunes to form,
there must be plenty of sand and wind. Sand dunes are found mainly in deserts and on beaches.
The formation of a sand dune starts with an obstacle, such as a rock. The obstacle causes the wind to slow down.
The wind then drops some of its sand. As more sand is deposited, the dune gets bigger. The dune becomes the
obstacle that slows the wind and causes it to drop its sand. The hill takes on the typical shape of a sand dune. It has
a gentle slope on the side from which the wind blows. The opposite side has a steep slope. This side is called the
slip face.
Once a sand dune forms, it may slowly migrate over the land. The wind moves particles of sand up the gently sloping
side of the dune. This is done by saltation. When the sand particles reach the top of the dune, they slip down the
steeper side. The particles are pulled down the slip face by gravity. The constant movement of sand up and over the
dune causes the dune to move along the ground. It moves in the same direction that the wind most often blows.
Questions
1. How does a sand dune form?
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2. Describe the typical shape of a sand dune.
3. How and why do sand dunes migrate?
Lesson 10.3: Multiple Choice
Name___________________ Class______________ Date________
Circle the letter of the correct choice.
1. Wind drops the sediment it is carrying when it
a.
b.
c.
d.
slows down.
is very moist.
arrives at a beach.
reaches a certain altitude.
2. What is the first step in the formation of a sand dune?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Wind carrying sand strikes an obstacle.
Wind moves particles of sand up a gentle slope.
Wind moves particles of sand down a slip face.
Wind deposits particles of silt and clay.
3. A sand dune migrates because wind keeps
a.
b.
c.
d.
reversing its direction.
blowing sand up and over the dune.
causing longshore drift.
none of the above
4. Deposits called loess
a.
b.
c.
d.
form vertical cliffs.
have thick rich soil.
are deposited by wind.
all of the above
5. Loess deposits consist of
a.
b.
c.
d.
sand and silt.
silt and clay.
clay and gravel.
gravel and sand.
6. Loess deposits are used for
a.
b.
c.
d.
rock climbing.
gold mining.
farming.
none of the above
7. Soil is less likely to be eroded by wind if it is
a.
b.
c.
d.
2
located on flat land.
covered with plants.
surrounded by trees.
two of the above
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Chapter 1. Erosion and Deposition by Wind
Lesson 10.3: Matching
Name___________________ Class______________ Date________
Match each definition with the correct term.
Definitions
_____ 1. type of erosion caused by wind-blown sand
_____ 2. type of deposit formed when wind drops very small particles of sediment
_____ 3. how wind carries particles larger than sand
_____ 4. air moving over Earth’s surface
_____ 5. how wind carries sand
_____ 6. small hill of sand deposited by wind
_____ 7. how wind carries the smallest sediments
Terms
a. loess
b. sand dune
c. suspension
d. wind
e. saltation
f. abrasion
g. traction
Lesson 10.3: Fill in the Blank
Name___________________ Class______________ Date________
Fill in the blank with the appropriate term.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
A dust storm is more likely to occur in a __________ climate.
Wind carries clay and silt by __________.
__________ occurs when wind blows sediments in short hops.
__________ occurs when wind rolls or pushes sediments over the ground.
The side of a sand dune facing toward the wind has a(n) __________ slope.
The side of a sand dune facing away from the wind is called the __________.
Sand moves down the steep side of a sand dune because of __________.
Lesson 10.3: Critical Writing
Name___________________ Class______________ Date________
Thoroughly answer the question below. Use appropriate academic vocabulary and clear and complete sentences.
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Relate the size of sediments to the way the wind transports them.
4