Describe the Process of Saltation

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The Answer is Wind cannot lift a loose particle directly from the ground. To move any particle, wind must reach a velocity able to overcome the inertia of the largest grains. As these grains begin to move, rolling at first, they collide with other particles, propelling them upward. Once airborne, particles are carried forward by the wind in parabolic paths until gravity pulls them down. When these grains fall back to the surface, they strike other grains and in turn set them in motion. If wind velocity drops below the level required to move large grains, transport of mid- sized grains continues until the wind dies down further. Then even the smallest grains no longer saltate, ending the chain reaction that set the particles in motion.

Describe the Process of Saltation

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