Question

Which two processes created desert pavement?

Answer 1

Desert pavement is created by deflation, the process that strips away small particles, leaving behind larger rocks, and weathering, which breaks down rocks into smaller fragments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The creation of desert pavement involves the processes of deflation and weathering. Deflation refers to the removal of small particles such as sand and silt by the wind, which leaves behind larger rock fragments too heavy to be transported. Over time, these remaining rock fragments cover the ground to form a desert pavement. Weathering is a set of processes that break down rocks into smaller pieces. Mechanical weathering includes processes like freeze-thaw cycles and thermal expansion, which lead to rock fragmentation. Chemical weathering changes the minerals in rocks through reactions with water and gases in the atmosphere. Both deflation and weathering contribute to the formation of desert pavements, which can be seen in arid environments like Death Valley.

Answer 2

Desert pavement is created by:

a. Wind erosion

b. Water erosion

Step-by-step explanation:

Desert pavement, a surface layer composed of closely packed, interlocking rock fragments, is primarily formed by the combined processes of wind and water erosion. Wind erosion plays a significant role in the creation of desert pavement by lifting and carrying away fine particles, leaving behind coarser materials such as gravel and stones. Over time, the wind-driven movement of these particles causes abrasion and polishing, contributing to the development of a hardened, compact surface.

Water erosion also contributes to the formation of desert pavement through the process of deflation and sheet wash. Deflation involves the removal of loose, fine-grained particles by the action of wind, while sheet wash occurs when water flows over the surface, transporting finer sediment away and leaving behind larger, more resistant rocks. The selective removal of finer material by both wind and water leads to the exposure and concentration of larger rocks on the desert surface, forming the characteristic desert pavement.

The interaction between wind and water erosion in arid environments results in the creation and maintenance of desert pavement. This process is not only geologically fascinating but also significant for understanding the dynamic relationships between different erosional forces in shaping the Earth's surface features.