Final answer:
Desert pavement forms through a process called deflation, where wind removes loose sediment and leaves behind larger particles. Desert pavement protects the underlying soil and can lead to the formation of other landforms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Desert pavement forms through a process called deflation. Deflation occurs when wind removes loose sediment, such as sand and silt, from the surface, leaving behind larger particles like gravel and rocks. Over time, this process results in a layer of tightly packed stones known as desert pavement.
The formation of desert pavement helps protect the underlying soil from further erosion by wind. The larger stones act as a natural barrier, reducing the amount of sediment that can be carried away. Additionally, desert pavement can stimulate the formation of other landforms, such as ventifacts, which are rocks shaped by windblown sand.