Question.
Give an account of the erosional landform produced by wind. (UPPSC 2020)
Explain the erosional features produced by wind in arid regions. ( UPPSC 1993)
Answer.
The landform which is produced by wind is known as the Aeolian landform. Wind geomorphic agent is generally more prominent in arid and semi-arid environments such as Desert areas where there is very less vegetation cover and surface air were also strong. Winds make many erosional landforms by the action of deflation( removal of sand and dust particles), abrasions ( sand particles strike on rocks), and Attrition( sand particles striking each other).
The following are erosional landforms produced by wind:
- Mushroom rock
- Deflation Hollow
- Zeugen
- Oasis
- Inselberg
- Pediplain
Mushroom or Pedestal rock:
If the rock composition has in such a way that the lower part of the rock is softer as compared to the upper part; In such rocks, wind erodes the lower portion of the rock faster than the upper part. Over time, the remains of rock look mushroom-shaped which is called Mushroom rock.
Deflation hollows:
When the solid part is carried out by winds is known as deflation. The process may create a shallow depression in the ground known as deflation hollows.
When high-speed winds loaded with sands strike the rocks they make small pits or cavities on the rock surface. The landform formed by this process is called Deflation hollows.
Zeugen:
Zeugen is a tablet-shaped erosional rock formed by winds.
Oasis:
When the winds erode lands of desert in such in-depth that groundwater reaches the surface by capillary action. This type of landform is called Oasis. Oasis provides fertile ground and water to many living organisms including humans.
Inselberg:
Wind erosion makes the desert look like a plain but in some places, there is a small mountain of solid rock. These mountains are called Inselberg.
Pediplains:
When the winds reduce the high relief topography in desert areas to a featureless plain, it is known as a Pediplain.
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