Final answer:
Wind erosion of rock is the key process that creates more sand in the desert, with quartz being a common mineral because of its durability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process that would create more sand in the desert is primarily wind erosion of rock. Wind erosion is particularly severe in desert ecosystems, where vegetation is sparse, and there are few natural barriers to the wind's force.
This erosion process involves the transporting of fragments of rocks and minerals over time, which are eventually broken down into smaller particles, including sand-sized grains.
Quartz, due to its stability and resistance to mechanical and chemical abrasion, is a common mineral found in sand because it can endure the erosion process better than other minerals.
In deserts, windstorms can pick up and deposit vast amounts of sand, leading to the formation and expansion of sandy landscapes. In contrast, droughts, although more associated with desertification, do not contribute directly to sand formation.