Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
ARID LANDSCAPES AND
EOLIAN PROCESSES
C H A P T E R E I G H T E E N
This chapter focuses on the geomorphology of arid regions and the way that flowing air shapes the landscape.
Arid landscapes are fascinating places because landforms are quite visible and the factors that influence their
evolution can often be clearly seen. One of the dominant geomorphic processes that shapes landscapes in these
regions is the wind. Wind processes are typically referred to as
eolian processes
, which, in turn, produce eolian
landforms. (The term
eolian
is derived from Aeolus, the Greek god of the winds.) Although the ability of wind to
shape the landscape is low relative to moving water and ice, flowing air can nevertheless produce a fascinating
array of erosional and depositional landforms. It is important to understand the role of wind in the evolution of
landforms because more than one-third of the Earth's land surface is located within arid or semi-arid climate zones.
In addition, many of these landscapes are agriculturally important and can be adversely affected by the wind.
