Earth’s Changing Surface Wind Earth’s Changing Surface

Review 5 Agents of Erosion Gravity Running Water Glaciers Wind Waves

Erosion by Wind Wind by itself is the weakest agent of erosion. Powerful force where there are few plants to hold the soil in place.

Wind Erosion Deflation The process by which wind removes surface material.

Abrasion Abrasion Sand carried by wind can polish rocks

Wind Deposition Wind Erosion and Deposition form sand dunes and loess deposits. Sand dunes – A deposit of wind-blown sand Forms when the wind strikes an obstacle. The sand then begins to pile up. Sand dunes move over time

Sand Dune

Sand Dune Worksheet

Loess Deposits Sediment that is finer than sand, such as particles of clay and silt, is sometimes deposited in layers far from its source.

Earth’s Changing Surface Waves Earth’s Changing Surface

How are Waves formed? The energy in waves comes from wind that blows across the water’s surface.

Waves Waves shape the coast through erosion by breaking down rock and transporting sand and other sediment.

Erosion by Waves Impact – large waves can hit rocks. The energy in waves can break apart rocks. Abrasion – sediment picked up by waves wear away rock. Waves changing direction – waves begin to drag on the bottom as they approach the shore.

Deposits by Waves Waves shape a coast when they deposit sediment, forming coastal features such as beaches, spits, and barrier beaches.

Beaches As waves reach the shore, they drop the sediment they carry, forming a beach A Beach is an area of wave-washed sediment along a coast. Usually sand Some are made of small fragments of coral or sea shells, Florida

Beach in Southern California

Lake Superior Beach

Florida Keys Beach