Erosion by wind

Authors: Tatarko, John

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/3/2022
Publication Date: 1/29/2022
Citation: Tatarko, J. 2022. Erosion by wind. In: Goss, M.J. and Oliver, M.A., editors. Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment, Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences. Second Edition. Elsevier Ltd. p. 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-822974-3.00006-9
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-822974-3.00006-9

Interpretive Summary: Soil erosion by wind is a significant concern for soil, air, and water quality as well as human health. It occurs as a result of strong winds blowing on loose, dry, bare soils. Although significant wind erosion also occurs on natural landscapes throughout the world, this article primarily focuses on wind erosion on cropland and discusses the various effects of erosion by wind. It will also examine the processes of wind erosion including the wind profile, modes of particle movement, soil surface conditions, and vegetation as well as computer modeling, measurements, and control of wind erosion.

Technical Abstract: Soil erosion by wind is a dynamic physical process, leading to significant soil, air, water, and human health concerns. Strong winds can impact loose, dry, bare soils and result in wind erosion. Soil erosion does occur due to wind naturally on landscapes around the world, but our focus here is mostly on wind erosion on croplands and the numerous impacts to these lands. We address key processes of wind erosion like conditions of the soil surface, how soil particles are transported, the influence of vegetation and the local wind profile. These processes are then put into context for measurements of wind erosion, use of computer models for scenarios and managemetn impacts, and what practices and efforts can be implemented by land managers to control wind erosion.