Desert pavement is a desert erosional feature formed by deflation.
Deflation is a type of wind erosion where fine, loose sediment particles are removed from the ground surface by wind. This process leaves behind larger, heavier rock fragments that cannot be easily lifted by the wind. Over time, this accumulation of coarser material forms a protective layer on the surface.
Understanding Desert Pavement and Deflation
According to the provided reference, most eolian deflation zones (areas where wind erosion through deflation is significant) are primarily composed of desert pavement.
How Desert Pavement Forms
The formation of desert pavement involves the following steps:
- Initial Surface: The surface contains a mixture of fine sediments (like sand and silt) and larger rock fragments.
- Deflation: Wind removes the fine particles from the surface.
- Concentration: As the fine material is removed, the larger rock fragments are left behind and gradually settle, often fitting together tightly.
- Result: A sheetlike surface of closely packed rock fragments is formed, known as desert pavement.
This process essentially concentrates the coarser material at the surface, creating a distinct landform.
Significance of Desert Pavement
- Protection: Desert pavement protects the underlying fine sediments from further wind erosion. Once the pavement forms, deflation slows down considerably.
- Extent: The reference notes that almost half of the Earth's desert surfaces are stony deflation zones characterized by desert pavement.
In summary, deflation is the erosional process, and desert pavement is the resulting landform created by the selective removal of fine particles by wind.
